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"What happens when your brand loses its voice-when poor product reviews, social media scrutiny or breaking news blunders speak for it? Moreover, what happens when your brand represents the image of one of the world's most populous countries, and it is outright blotched by headlines and hearsay? Such was the case in 2011 when newspapers, magazines and television screens were saturated with scenes of Mexico's drug seizures, cartel crimes and kidnappings. The once-celebrated south-of-the-border Shangri-la was swiftly scratched from the lists of spring breakers, scuba divers and travel agents: The country's consumer market was gone."

"Like many industries, lodging and leisure is undergoing a digitally driven transformation that is changing how travelers shop for hotels, resorts, and cruises-and the nature of the relationship between brand and consumer. Those companies that can combine strong brands rooted in attractive products with comprehensive digital strategies have the opportunity to build enduring customer relationships. Those that fail to do so risk becoming commodities in the marketplace, with inevitable pressure on margins and profits."

Mexico is undoubtedly a challenged brand. Drug cartels, violence, murder and kidnappings have been grabbing headlines, thus deterring tourists who typically flock to the country for its beaches, Mayan archaeological sites and tequila.

"Digital marketing in travel and tourism is quickly developing into much more than another e-commerce channel for companies to manage. Online and mobile interaction is becoming the most frequented and substantive interface between travel companies and consumers (other than the actual hotel, resort, airline, or cruise experience, of course)-and therefore a defining medium for travel brands."

Gratuitas: Google Alerts, Technocrati, Jodange, Trendrr, Lexicon, Monitter, Tweetburner, Twendz Pagadas: TruCast, Radian6, Cision, Techrigy, Cllective Intellect

Taking a summer vacation as a reward for working hard all year long is ingrained in our culture. The significance of these annual trips goes far beyond well-deserved relaxation. Local economies depend on tourism dollars to thrive, and, in some cases, just to function.