KLM Airlines: When social media goes awry

by McLean Robbins on

Travel industry pros are encouraged time and time again to leverage the power of social media to connect with their client base. In fact, studies have proven that strategic use of social media chnnels via online channels can even mitigate negative feedback.

Unfortunately, the public and instantaneous nature of social media can also backfire, as it did recently in the case of Dutch airline KLM. In theory, the scrolling feed of a Twitter hashtag on their website was supposed to showcase a new viral promotion touting “how happiness spreads” and “little acts of kindness to suprise our passengers.” Not so much.

Tweeters using the hashtag #klmsuprise instead issued a series of damning tweets that ran live on the company’s website. Bitter Wallet has a screenshot of the feed, which was pulled from the site shortly after the negative feedback was discovered. It appears that Twitter may have yanked the feed as well – a search around 9 PM EST on Tuesday shows that “older Tweets are unavailable.”

What are your thoughts? Was it smart of the airline to remove the negative comments, or should they have tried to respond to the “haters” with a public statement via social channels? Could this Twitter Fail have even more negative reprecussions in the future for KLM?

[Image via Bitter Wallet]

Archaelogists discover new sphinx-lined road in Luxor, Egypt

by Kraig Becker on

Archaeologists in Egypt made a surprising new discovery yesterday when they unearthed 12 new sphinxes buried beneath a modern apartment complex in Luxor. Those stone statues were located not far from the famed Sphinx Alley, which is a popular tourist destination and an impressive display of ancient craftsmanship in the city.

The newly discovered road runs along an Egyptian promenade that is thousands of years old and was once used to as part of a ceremony to celebrate the deities Amun and Mut. Until yesterday, the road was only mentioned in a few historical texts, but the discovery is the first solid proof of its existence. The street runs between two spectacular religious sites – Karnak and Luxor Temples, and was likely lined with dozens of Sphinxes when it was first constructed. Under the rule of Cleopatra, the avenue was renovated and eventually it was used by the conquering Romans.

The popular Sphinx Alley is so named for the 850 statues that have already been discovered along that route. Historians believe that more than 1300 of them were in place when it was built under the rule of the Pharaoh Amenhotep III. Those Sphinxes flanked a number of lesser religious sites where worshipers left offerings for the array of gods in the Egyptian pantheon.

The 12 newly discovered Sphinx statues are not in the best condition. Most are missing their heads and all are in varying degrees of disrepair. Despite that however, the statues will go on display to the public for the first at a new open-air museum in February of 2011, giving Egypt even more amazing artifacts to show to the world.

Richard Branson loses bet; will serve as flight attendant on Air Asia

by Melanie Nayer on

For some, losing a bet to your buddies means having to shave your head or paint your face in the opposing team’s colors for a day. For Richard Branson, losing a bet means having to dress in drag at 38,000-feet.

The Virgin boss and airline superstar lost a bet to his pal Tony Fernandes, who owns Air Asia, over which one of their Formula One teams would perform better this season. The bet: Loser has to put on a pair of high heels and serve as a “stewardess” on an international flight of the winner’s airline.

While neither of the men’s teams scored anything in their debut Formula One season, Lotus’s Air Asia did slightly better than Branson’s Virgin brand and thus, Branson will step out in high heels and serve guests on an Air Asia flight from Kuala Lumpur to London.

The date of the flight hasn’t been set, but the airline has agreed to auction of seats for the flight and give the money to Branson’s chosen charity.

[via Stuff.co.nz]

Photo of the Day (11.16.10)

by Stephen Greenwood on

This Sunday marked the beginning of the Hajj, the world’s largest annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia. As the fifth pillar of Islam, the pilgrimage is a religious duty that must be carried out by every able-bodied Muslim that can do so. Saudi officials have reported that a record-breaking 3.4 million people are expected to come from all corners of the globe to perform the Hajj this year.

This astounding photo, titled “Headed to Mecca” was taken by Flickr user Theodore Kaye as a mother prepares to leave Osh, southern Kyrgyzstan for Mecca. I love that Theodore was able to be present for and capture the intimacy of this moment and took advantage of the lighting to make the image even more beautiful. The result of being in the right place at the right time, and knowing how to capture a great photograph.

If you want to see more of the Hajj, Boston.com put up an amazing series of images of this year’s processions. Also worth checking out is VBS.tv’s short documentary of an inside look at the pilgrimage. What’s your personal Mecca? Share it with us by adding photos to our Flickr group and it could be our next Photo of the Day.

Daily Pampering: Luxury travel shopping experience in Milan

by Melanie Nayer on

What do you get for the fashionista who has everything? A luxury travel trip to Milan to explore high-end boutiques along Via Montenapoleone and attend two exclusive trunk shows with industry leaders Valentino, Stella McCartney, Dior, and more.

The luxury travel package, worth more than $13,000, is offered by Pure Entertainment Group and includes everything from a suite at The Four Season Hotel Milan, a private tour of the city, dinner at the exclusive Dolce & Gabbana Gold restaurant and a complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne upon arrival.

What’s a luxury shopping experience without a new pair of shoes? Absolutely nothing. While you’re here, grab a new pair of stilettos and hit the catwalk in style.

This ultimate pampering package includes:

  • 4-night stay in a Junior Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel Milano
  • Daily full breakfast
  • Welcome amenities with complimentary bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne and fresh flowers
  • 2 Exclusive Trunk Shows at the boutiques of your choice on Via Montenapoleone with catering and champagne. Luxe designers include Valentino, Dior, Stella McCartney, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Armani.
  • Exclusive discussion with some of Milan’s fashion designers
  • Preferred shopping privileges in Milan’s most exclusive boutiques
  • 1 gourmet dinner at Michelin-Starred restaurant Cracco Peck (alcohol not included)
  • Private guided tour of Milan (3 hours)
  • 1 dinner at Dolce & Gabbana Gold restaurant (alcohol not included)
  • Personalized airport welcome with limousine transfer to/from hotel

The price for this shopping package starts at $13,075/4 nights and is available through May 15, 2011

Want more? Try and beat this luxury travel package with more daily pampering.