Zuji to unveil new technology in bid for HK travellers

Online travel portal Zuji is preparing for a first quarter roll out of a new technology which it expects will be a major drawcard in attracting new customers in 2006.

Newly-appointed Hong Kong country manager Sean Seah said the 'Dynamic packaging' initiative would link 400 airlines with 60,000 hotels globally, and allow consumers to tailor holidays. Hong Kong and Singapore are the test markets, with the technology expected to roll out regionally soon after. "It's real-time, package-yourself holidays," said Seah. Formerly the portal's country manager of Singapore, Seah has been tasked with spearheading Zuji's strategic growth in Hong Kong. He said while the Hong Kong market represented US$12.6 billion in outbound travel, compared to $5.6 billion in Singapore, Hong Kong was up to 18 months behind Singapore in online usage. He noted that new components recently added to the portal -- including star ratings and reviews -- should boost Zuji's user base. But he admitted the cost of marketing Zuji in Hong Kong would prove challenging, given the city's relatively high media costs. Seah added: "We need to build on our presence with clever and innovative marketing that achieves significant cut-through."