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In 2017, Oobah Butler pulled off a stunt that became one of the most mind-blowing case studies in the world of branding. He created a fake restaurant on TripAdvisor.
No food, no staff, no venue. But The Shed at Dulwich became the #1 ranked restaurant in London.
How? He played the game of perception—and in corporate travel, perception is just as powerful.
Here’s how corporate event planners can learn from this viral stunt to optimize their travel booking strategies and elevate their brand image.
Lesson 1: Reviews Are Everything in Corporate Travel
Oobah didn’t just set up a restaurant. He created a carefully curated perception of luxury and exclusivity by accumulating fake reviews. In the corporate travel world, online reviews and ratings are your currency. Whether you’re booking a corporate flight or organizing a team incentive trip, the platforms you choose to book through need to be trusted.
When it comes to choosing travel booking platforms for corporate events, don’t just trust the hype. Research and review your options, compare features, and look for feedback from other corporate travel planners. You want a platform that gives you flexibility, real-time updates, and an easy-to-use interface.
Lesson 2: Exclusivity Doesn’t Always Equal Value
Why did The Shed at Dulwich succeed? It wasn’t just a restaurant—it was an exclusive experience. People wanted what they couldn’t have. But in the world of corporate event travel, exclusivity doesn’t always equal value.
Legacy booking platforms may promise exclusive deals, but they often come with hidden costs, confusing interfaces, or poor customer support. When organizing corporate meetings, team offsites, or incentive trips, you want a travel tool that balances affordability with usability.
Pro Tip: Look for corporate travel platforms that offer a personalized experience, cost-efficiency, and flexibility for large groups.
Lesson 3: Personalization Wins in Corporate Travel
What’s the one thing people loved about The Shed? The personalized experience. It wasn’t just a restaurant—it was a vibe. For corporate travel planners, personalization is key to ensuring a seamless travel experience for employees.
Corporate travel isn’t just about booking flights; it’s about creating an experience that feels tailored to the needs and preferences of your team. Whether you’re booking for a large incentive trip or a small executive offsite, you want a booking platform that can customize options and cater to your specific needs.
Tip: Invest in a corporate travel management platform that allows you to customize itineraries, manage budgets, and track employee preferences in one place.
Lesson 4: The Right Story Sells
Oobah Butler knew that the story of The Shed would sell itself. He crafted a compelling narrative: a hidden gem that everyone needed to try. The lesson here for corporate event planners is that your travel management system should tell a compelling story, too.
You want your event travel story to be smooth and efficient. No hiccups, no stress. Just a well-oiled machine that delivers on its promise.
Your story as a corporate event planner should be: “We booked our corporate flights with ease and efficiency, keeping costs down while maximizing convenience.”
Actionable Tip: When choosing a corporate travel platform, make sure the tool enhances your narrative—smooth, organized, and stress-free.
The Bottom Line: Don’t Fall for the Hype—Choose Results
Oobah’s fake restaurant was a social experiment, but the lessons it teaches are real. In the world of corporate travel, perception is everything. Your choices can either create an effortless experience or lead to unnecessary headaches.
That’s where AllFly comes in. We’re not just another travel booking platform—we’re your partner in corporate travel, providing easy access to cost-efficient, personalized, and flexible options.
Ready to streamline your corporate event travel?
Book a demo of AllFly Quest today
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