Travel and translation

For some, traveling can be can be more hassle than relaxing escape - especially for those who don’t speak the language of the country they’re visiting. This can make even something as simple as asking for a restroom or bus station very confusing and intimidating.

In the U.S. alone more than 3 million citizens speak a language other than English, according to the 2000 Census. Think of all the untapped marketing resources! All that buying power being trapped by a language barrier! Translating and localizing travel materials can increase your audience; in this economic climate, who doesn’t need a larger audience?

This article by hotelmag.com gives tips for companies on tapping into the hospitality industry's revenue potential. The most important piece of advice they give is this:

“It is important to hire a reputable translation company that understands the semantics and nuances of different languages, specifically the language of your target country.”

Just remember, regardless of the industry or language, marketing materials should never offend the population you're trying to reach.