audioconexus-blog

Spending Surges By $1.5 Billion in March by International Visitors to the United States

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:51:32 +0100

International visitors spent an estimated $13.7 billion on travel to, and tourism-related activities within, the United States during the month of March - an increase of more than $1.5 billion, or 13 percent, from March 2011.

Year-to-date, U.S. travel and tourism exports have grown nearly 13 percent in 2012, and the industry has generated a $10.6 billion trade surplus during the first quarter of 2012. These numbers come on the heels of National Travel and Tourism Week and the Administration’s announcement of the National Travel and Tourism Strategy, a blueprint for the Federal government to welcome 100 million international visitors by the end of 2021.

The data announced today include purchases of travel and tourism-related goods and services by international visitors traveling in the U.S., which totaled a record-breaking $10.4 billion in March, an increase of nearly 12 percent from 2011. These goods and services include food, lodging, recreation, gifts, entertainment, local transportation, and other items incidental to foreign travel. Fares received by U.S. carriers and U.S. vessel operators from international visitors increased nearly 16 percent to a historic high of $3.3 billion in March. This represents an increase of nearly $450 million when compared to March 2011, and resulted in a $350 million trade surplus for passenger fares.

Source: Office of Travel and Tourism Industries. For more information please visit www.trade.gov.

5 Messages That Need To Be in Your Brochures for Multilingual Tours

Fri, 04 May 2012 17:45:23 +0100

If you're offering multilingual tours, you want to use your brochure to get your message out. Here are five design recommendations for your brochures.

1. Using Flags for a Brochure Rack

When creating a brochure for a multilingual audio tour experiences, we recommend using the front cover of your brochure as an opportunity to visually communicate to people that you offer foreign language tour experiences. Since many of your brochures will be sitting in racks, where visual real estate is important, we recommend using flags to communicate your value proposition to foreign language visitors. This way, foreign language visitors will immediately see their flag when looking at a sea of brochures in a rack.

2. Foreign Language Tour Descriptions

Translate your tour description into each of the languages that you offer. This way, a foreign language visitor picking up your brochure can read about the highlights of your tour and the reason why they should choose you.

3. Use an Audio Tour Icon

Use an audio tour icon that communicates your organization offers enhanced sightseeing experiences.

4. Share Your Route

Create a visual representation of your route so people have a better understanding of your sightseeing tour and the amenities you offer.

5. Use stunning photography. When selling your tour experience, make sure that the photos used are of the highest visual quality. Great photos sell your experience. Bad ones turn people off.

Launching the World's First 12 Language Wireless System in Europe

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 20:32:07 +0100

Having just returned from a great trip to Europe where we had the opportunity to be at two installation sites for new tours launching in May - we thought we'd share photos from our visit. Working with our partner, Audiotours, we're proud to announce that we have engineered the world' first 12 language wireless GPS Commentary System with an amazing sightseeing company in Switzerland - SGV.

With the official launch happening in May, the tour boat company is providing passengers with 11 languages delivered to wireless receivers and headsets on Lake Lucerne. We had a great time working with an enthusiastic group that is focused on innovation and quality of service.


Our Control Panel installed on the Captain's Bridge for Manual Play flexibility and a variety of options for managing their tours.

Margarethe, Audiotours Project Manager and Alex verifying GPS waypoints on Lake Lucerne with the audio production script.


The result of our final cruise test. A great success as Alex (Head of Technology) and Werner (Head of Marketing), gives us the thumbs up. Thanks guys!

GPS Audio tours will be provided to passengers in 11 languages on board a spectacular new panorama yacht in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Japanese, Mandarin, Russian, Hindi and Korean.

United States International Visitor Spending Continues to Rise

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 18:38:23 +0100

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced that real U.S. travel and tourism output (adjusted for changes in price) increased at an annual rate of 4.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011, following an increase of 0.6 percent (revised) in the third quarter of 2011. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent during the fourth quarter.

“Travel and tourism is an important service export and the growth in this industry touches communities across America,” said Under Secretary for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. “This ongoing growth of international visitors coming to see America means more jobs and more economic prosperity.”

Tourism Spending. Real spending on passenger air transportation turned up 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 after decreasing 3.0 percent in the third quarter. Business and leisure travel increased. Real spending on traveler accommodations increased 7.4 percent in the fourth quarter after decreasing 0.7 percent in the third quarter.

Tourism Prices. Prices for passenger air transportation accelerated, increasing 6.9 percent in the fourth quarter after increasing 3.0 percent in the third quarter. Airlines continued to increase fares in the fourth quarter to cover the increased costs of fuel. Prices for traveler accommodations turned down, decreasing 8.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 after increasing 11.9 percent in the third quarter.

Tourism Employment. Employment in the travel and tourism industries increased 1.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 after increasing 1.7 percent in the third quarter. Most industries saw increases in employment with the exception of traveler accommodations, air transportation services, and recreation and entertainment, which experienced declines. The largest increase was in food services and drinking places, which increased 3.8 percent in the fourth quarter.

Source: The Bureau of Economic Analysis, through funding provided by the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, produces the U.S Travel and Tourism Satellite Accounts (TTSAs) from which these estimates were derived.

Click here to view the complete Q4 release.

What is Intelligent Proximity GPS Triggering on Your Tour Routes?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 16:09:48 +0100

What is Intelligent Proximity GPS Triggering?

Intelligent Proximity GPS triggering is one type of GPS trigger that is provided as an option in our Route Builder Software. Each Point of Interest ("POI") on your tour route (for triggering commentary) has a GPS coordinate associated with it. These longitude and latitude coordinates are easily captured one of two ways:

By using Google Maps in Route Builder to add a new POI to your route - which will automatically capture the GPS coordinates; or
By using the Driver Control Panel connected to a multilingual commentary system on your bus or boat "live" on your tour route to capture waypoint data. You can also use the Driver Control Panel to move an existing waypoint in your database. (Note: your database is automatically created by our software when building a new tour route or modifying an existing route in Route Builder. No special skills are required.)

Once the GPS data is "captured" by either Google Maps or by the Driver Control Panel, you can select the "type" of GPS trigger you want for each POI on your route. The most often used GPS trigger is "Proximity".

Proximity means that your GPS commentary system will "trigger" commentary closest to the centre of a circle or zone that you define. Since you define the size of a GPS trigger "zone" from 10 metres to 12 kilometeres, the longitude and latitude coordinates are in the "centre" of a circle (what we call a GPS trigger zone).

As a vehicle or a vessel passes through this predefined "GPS trigger zone", your commentary will play (GPS trigger) at the point your bus or boat is closest to the centre of this circle. Since it is impossible for your bus or boat to always pass through the exact centre of a circle (zone), commentary plays based on its closest "proximity" to your GPS coordinates.

This way, your commentary is always playing at the right place, at the right moment, each and every time.

iPad Multi Unit Charger and Synchronization Dock Shipping This Month

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:58:47 +0100

You asked for it. You got it!

The new iPad Charger and Synchronization Dock is shipping this month!

No Manual Cable Connections

Simply insert iPad with the included case into any slot to charge and sync.

Syncs Automatically

Detects USB connectivity to your host computer to automatically begin the syncing process.

Device Protection

Includes 10 protective iPad cases purpose-built for exclusive use with PARASYNC to ensure reliable docking with the Apple 30-pin connector. An optional shoulder carry strap is available.

Compact, Lightweight, Attractive and Versatile

Measuring just 19” x 11”, and weighing just 7 lbs, its compact footprint looks great and fits into any infrastructure.

Charge Status LEDs

Allows user to visually determine the charge and sync status of iPad devices.

SPECIFICATIONS

Dimensions: 19” x 11” x 2” (49 x 28 x 5 cm )

Weight: 7 lbs (3.2 kg)

Power Supply: 100 – 240V ~ 47-63Hz, 1.7A (charges 10 iPad devices at Apple recommended 2.1 Amps each)

Teleloops and Tele-coil Induction Loop Systems for Assistive Listening

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 19:07:49 +0100

A teleloop system is an assistive listen accessory that creates a low electro magnetic current that is passed through a loop (worn around the neck), allowing audio (sound) to transmit directly from the loop directly into a user's hearing aid.

This solution is fully compatible with hearing aids with T-coils (for telephone use). The advantage of a teleloop is sound is directly transmitted to a hearing aid eliminating distractions and ambient noise from the hearing aid microphone.

To take advantage of the signal, a hearing aid user simply switches their hearing aid to the “T” (telecoil or telephone position). People wearing hearing aids with a “T” switch can access sound using their own hearing aid(s), which have been customized for their specific hearing requirements.

It’s important to note that not all hearing aids have tele-coils. Many of our customers have teleloops on site to provide better service to people with hearing loss – but hearing aids with a T-Switch are required for them to work directly with the hearing aid.

Additionally hearing aid users with direct audio input capabilities can simply plug their audio input cable directly into the listening device, receiver or audio guide.

Non-hearing aid wearing individuals (with hearing difficulties) can also utilize a standard stereo headphone with increased volume.

Potomac Riverboat Company Launches Fun and Entertaining Audio Tours on World's Fabled Waterways ...

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 20:48:53 +0100

AudioConexus is proud to announce that Potomac Riverboat Company has launched fun, entertaining and educational audio tours triggered by GPS on the world's fabled waterways - in Washington, DC.

Rich, compelling history and little known facts about the region are shared on the Washington Monuments Cruises, which travels back and forth between Alexandria, Virginia and Georgetown in Washington DC.

At Potomac Riverboat Company, passengers experience the charm and colonial ambiance of Alexandria with professionally narrated cruises, enhanced with music and sound effects for immersive interpretive experiences on tour boats. This coupled with the engaging stories of Washington DC and it’s many monuments provides for an unforgettable experience.

Jonathan Stanley, President & CEO, AudioConexus Inc. said "This was a really fun project for us. Passengers travel along the Potomac River while enjoying breathtaking views and entertaining stories about the many Monuments in the area. There's a variety of fun and fascinating facts the whole family will enjoy, including stories of the rich American history that surrounds. The river, its shoreline and its history is brought to life, enriching the sightseeing experience."

“I think the quality of our narration improved dramatically through the efforts of the team from AudioConexus. The experience, with all the sensory magic, brings a whole new life to the cruise. Well done!” said Willem Polak, President, Potomac Riverboat Company.

About Potomac River Cruises

Potomac Riverboat Company, a private company owned by the Polak family for over 30 years, began as Potomac Boat Tours in 1974. Upon building the popular and authentic split sternwheeler The Cherry Blossom, the company changed its name to Potomac Riverboat Company (PRC) and began operating in Alexandria in 1984. A short time later PRC commissioned the building of the Admiral Tilp, named after a wonderful local historian and writer, Fred Tilp. Other vessels were then added to the fleet: The Matthew Hayes in 1994, named after a little known Potomac River pirate; the Miss Christin in 1996; and in 2004, the Miss Mallory.

In 2008, Potomac Riverboat Company built two water taxis to connect Alexandria with National Harbor and the Gaylord National Hotel and Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland, just a 20 minute boat ride from Alexandria. These two water taxis, the Lady Josephine and the Commander Jacques, are only used as water taxis.

Potomac Riverboat Company's vessels and services are based in the colonial seaport of Alexandria, Virginia, just 8 miles south of Washington, D.C. Unlike most cruise companies in America, Potomac RiverboatCompany does not use its boats as restaurant boats. Rather, boats are for touring and private party/ charter boats, except for the Cherry Blossom, which is exclusively for private charters.

The Future of Word of Mouth: Staging Rich, Compelling Experiences

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 03:41:49 +0100

Amy Taylor, Lead Copywriter, Brains on Fire wrote an intriguing post titled "A Return to Real Life: The Future of WOM" for WOMMA (word of mouth marketing association).

In her post, Taylor writes "Reports indicate millions of Americans are logging offline for good. They’re putting down their smartphones, silencing their ringers and stepping away from their Twitter streams - in order to rejoin their real lives.

For years, brands have been putting their eggs in various online baskets. Some were early adopters, others waited for the water to warm up a bit before they hopped in. Many jumped on the bandwagon in search of a quick fix and a magical marketing bullet."

Providing examples of brands "Embracing Real Life", Taylor cites two organizations catering to people seeking "real life escapes".

Taylor's post should resonate with many tourism organizations. Studies and surveys have shown that people are looking for:

High-quality, authentic, memorable experiences that broaden their knowledge and provide excitement, while at the same time offering value for their money.
While there has been an increase in long haul travel, consumers are also taking shorter, more frequent breaks with shorter lead-in times for booking.
Holidays and short breaks are a vital part of today’s lifestyle; evidenced by the introduction of dedicated channels on satellite television, in specialist magazines and in supplements in newspapers, etc.
The simple act of "getting away from it all" helps people reduce stress, whether it is for a day or a week.

People all over the world are seeking ways to reduce stress. And travel provides people with temporary stress relief. Sometimes this means "unplugging".

Taylor raises several important points but two of these points resonated with us:

"I believe people will want to connect with brands that make them feel like friends and family."

"I believe the most successful brands will stop focusing on toys and technology, and start focusing on human beings and the human experience."

We wholeheartedly agree. The human experience is more important than technology. We're not minimizing technology. However, most people aren't going to talk about an audio guide or a seat back controller. People talk about (and share) memorable experiences.

Click here to read "A Return to Real Life: The Future of WOM"

How Do You Want to be Perceived? Writing Your Positioning Statement

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 10:59:52 +0100

What is your position statement? How do you want people to think about you?

Your position statement wants you to answer the following questions:

Who are we?
What do we provide?
For whom?
Against whom?
What makes us different?
So? What's the unique benefit?

If you answer these questions and create a Position Statement - this does not necessary mean that your position statement aligns with your customers' perceptions of who you are. You need to find out what people are actually thinking? Ask questions to see how closely you are aligned with your customers perceptions?

It's a worthwhile exercise. Once you understand where the gaps are - you can focus on creating the steps necessary to get there.

Harry Beckwith clearly writes in his book Selling the Invisible, "A position (or statement of position) is a cold-hearted, no-nonsense statement of how you are perceived in the minds of your prospects. A positioning statement, by contrast expresses how you wish to be perceived. It is the core message you want to deliver in every medium."