Sponsored by TRAVELCLICK, eMarketer of the Year recognizes the best integrated emarketing program in the hotel industry. Contenders were judged on the strength of their web presence and booking performance driven by world-class online marketing, including website design, search marketing, emerging channels, and community development through social marketing.

Despite a recessionary economy in 2009, Joie de Vivre increased web traffic by 65 percent and grew web business by over 50 percent. The largest collection of boutique hotels in California, the chain has 35 hotels that span from the northern wine country to San Francisco to Silicon Valley and down the coast to Los Angeles. Using a creative combination of strategies, including integrated brand campaigns, alternate channels, social marketing, search engine optimization, and pay-per-click advertising—coupled with an enhanced web platform and booking engine, and strong relationships with third-party sites—Joie de Vivre has demonstrated extraordinary success in driving demand and converting bookings online.

Joie de Vivre, who won in the competition’s Chain category to qualify for the overall award, has been exemplary also in its use of social networking to grow business. From its “Five Little Words” contest on Facebook to a “Sowing the Seeds of Love” earth-friendly Valentine’s package, the company has evolved social networking into a true booking channel. Their “Twitter Tuesday” and “Facebook Friday” campaigns delivered more than 1,000 room nights and expanded an already loyal community to over 10,000 fans and followers.

Accepting the award for Joie de Vivre was Chief Revenue Officer Linda Palermo. “We are delighted to receive the eMarketer of Year Award,” said Palermo. “Joie de Vivre has worked hard to understand how and where our potential guests are shopping—and which channels will bring us the greatest return at the lowest cost. We are pleased with how rapidly we’ve been able to connect guests to our brand online to generate high-value, repeat business.”

Along with naming the 2009 eMarketer of the Year, TRAVELCLICK recognized the following winners in the finalist regional and chain categories:

• Asia/Pacific Region: Zeavola Resort, Phi Phi Island, Thailand (www.zeavola.com)
• Europe/Middle East/Africa Region: Hotel Stureplan, Stockholm, Sweden (www.hotelstureplan.se)
• Americas Region: The Westin Copley Place, Boston, Massachusetts (www.westin.com/copleyplace)
• Chain Category: Joie de Vivre Hospitality, San Francisco, California (www.jdvhotels.com)

“In 2009, and more than any year before, we’ve seen the Internet come of age—marking what many have called, ‘the decade of digital disruption,’” said John Hach, Senior Vice President of TRAVELCLICK’s Digital Agency. “Today, effective emarketing is a serious science that demands true expertise. All of our contenders for the 2009 eMarketer of the Year Award have leveraged this marketing science for maximum value. We applaud them, our category finalists, and winner Joie de Vivre for their tenacious use of proven strategies that drive revenue, build brand, and expand community.”

During the gala, TRAVELCLICK also unveiled its new community, Hotel Conversations, where hotels from around the world share insights and experiences for connecting hotels and guests. To watch their video stories and join in the dialogue, visit www.HotelConversations.com.