Air France has announced a new and improved version of its Widget, developed in collaboration with Lonely Planet and Trip-Advisor.
This new version of the Air France Widget includes advice from real travellers supplied by Trip-Advisor - giving customers access to a wider range of information, whilst continuing to supply registered users with the latest special offers, currency exchange rates and maps on destinations of their choice, all direct to their desktop.

Trip-Advisor, the world’s largest travel community, has supplied the Widget with User Generated Content in the form of reviews, opinions and photography of restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions.

Thanks to Lonely Planet, the new version also includes destination guides compiled by respected travel writers, as well as professional videos of top destinations. Travellers can also brush up on the local language using the phrasebooks and also have the opportunity to buy Lonely Planet guidebooks at a 10% discount.

Natasha Storey, Direct Sales Manager for UK & Ireland said: “We’re delighted with this progression in the development of our Widget. We have invested in enhancing this tool with partners’ content and are convinced that our customers will benefit from and enjoy the new functions of Widget.”

Ushma Patel Lonely Planet’s Head of Business Development said, “This is a fantastic opportunity to provide travellers with comprehensive travel information, whether they’re organising their next trip or seeking some inspiration on where to go. Bringing together the three travel brands in the Air France Widget, provides travellers with a range of content which will help them along every step of planning and booking their next journey.”

Last but not least, the new version of Widget will allow Air France KLM’s frequent flyers - Flying Blue - members to get an update on their mileage and where the miles could take them.

Last April, Air France was awarded the “Best use of technology” prize at the Travolution Awards 2008. The judges described it as “innovative, slick, well-designed, convenient, fun and the clear winner in the category.”

Easy to install, the customer simply needs to register, download the tool, choose their departure airport and favourite destinations, and while waiting for the next alert, browse the destination guides and watch the videos. Customers can also continue to check in online using this new tool.

Air France contracted the France-based company, Djingle, to develop the tool and the UK was chosen as the test market for its initial introduction.

So far, Air France is pleased with the take up of offers through the Widget with thousands of users being counted in the first 6 months.
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