The latest eTravel Benchmark results from eDigitalResearch have found that creating a strong, engaging and responsive online presence is vital to travel firms to provide security and protection during the current turbulent trading times in the industry. Sites that provide customer reviews, interactive features, such as videos and map planners, as well as good customer service, came top of the overall travel customer satisfaction leagues, as some companies continue to struggle financially.

According to research by www.sunshine.co.uk, Santorini in Greece is the prettiest place in the world to holiday; beating other destinations to win the title of ?prettiest holiday destination?.

As we approach 2012, online customer service has become the new battleground for travel companies. With consumers becoming increasingly savvy over where to find the best deals, attracting users to your website is no longer enough. You have to keep them there.

I recently went to book flights to Australia and New Zealand with a major agent specialising in the Far East. Had the consultant been really listening to what I needed, picking up on the cues, and asking reasonable questions then they may have got the ?6,000 booking.