MSc Strategic Tourism Management and MSc Events & Meetings Management had class with Martino Matijevic, the CEO of WhichBudget.com (a budget airline search engine).

Mr. Matijevic started the discussion with a brief introduction in terms of his career and a detailed explanation of his company’s business model. He then analysed the internet’s impact on consumer buying behaviour within the industry.

He explained how not only companies can benefit from online presence, but also how students themselves can benefit. Social media (Linked-In, Twitter and Facebook) is becoming an ever more vital and convenient way to market products as well as individuals.

“These networking sites remove barriers of distance and can have much bigger virtual networks compared to traditional ones. It is important to let others know what you are doing and make them aware of your potential in order to get the best results within the industry”.

According to Matijevic, careful commenting within ongoing online discussions lets a person, or a company, speak their mind and – perhaps – make a positive impact.

Matijevic also discussed pitfalls to watch out for when using social media as a tool to market products and individuals.

Matijevic also discussed developing trends within mobile tourism.

“I never thought before that my online presence would affect my employability in any case, but now I am ready to market myself online” said Anna, a participating MSc student who comes from Russia.