The Brand Surgeon, Paul Harmer, surveyed 2,092 people aged 19-66 to help compile a list of the top 10 most liked and disliked brands on the market. Options covered a range of traditional commercial brands, internet and social media sites and personal brands.
The survey reveals that of the options Google (1) is the most liked brand out there, closely followed by Obama (2). On the flipside, surveyed individuals reacted most negatively towards brands such as Twitter (1) and Telstra (5). Comparisons of similar brands showed Virgin Blue (10) beating out Qantas (17) comprehensively for the title of best airline brand.
"What made this survey even more interesting were the two or three word comments made by participants. Whilst everyone voted for their top ten best and worst, there were some brands that polarised or stimulated intense opinion" said Paul Harmer, founder of The Brand Surgeon.
"Interestingly, some of the brands near the top of the best-brand list also appeared in the top ten most disliked brands. Commonwealth Bank showed this polarisation of opinion, with 906 people for (9) and 1146 against (2)".
Over the past 25 years, branding strategist and author Paul Harmer has learned from the experts experiencing what it takes to achieve brand success. Harmer has worked with psychologists, top executives and some of the most successful brand owners on the planet. He has seen brand owners both struggle and thrive in creating the right powerful brand experience, producing the recipe for brand glue and greater profits.
The central New Zealand North Island town of Taihape is back on the railway map. Dropped from the train timetable in 2005 due to falling numbers, Taihape will be reinstated from the 23rd October, following renewed interest and growing passenger numbers on the Overlander.
"After careful consideration of the potential passenger numbers for a Taihape stop on the Overlander, we have decided to include Taihape as a scheduled stop," comments Tranz Scenic marketing manager, Richard Keenan.
"We have been impressed with Taihape's commitment to regular train services, including enthusiasm for events and attractions which will add to the appeal of Taihape as a destination. We have also seen increasing passenger numbers on the Overlander."
Those passenger numbers grew by over 25% in just 18 months, prompting Tranz Scenic to bring peak seven day services forward to September rather than the usual December. "Passengers are responding, with a 70% jump in numbers from last year over the school holidays just gone," adds Mr Keenan. "We are also seeing renewed interest in all our scenic services, and in visits to heartland New Zealand by train."
Commenting on the return of Taihape as a scheduled stop for the Overlander, Taihape Community Development Trust manager Elizabeth Mortland commented; "Fantastic. Really wonderful news."
"We look forward to working with the town to make Taihape a successful permanent stop on the Overlander journey," Richard Keenan says.
More information on The Overlander is available from www.tranzscenic.co.nz.
Newly certified carrier Strategic Airlines has requested capacity from the International Air Services Commission which would allow it to operate services to Indonesia, with plans to commence a once weekly A330 service from Bali to Denpasar from 06 Dec.
The carrier said it plans to introduce a second weekly service from 30 Jun 2010, with the capacity requested being a reallocation of seats currently allocated to OzJet Airlines, which Strategic purchased from its administrator earlier in the year.
Holidaymakers are pre-booking their Christmas accommodation in advance, with Mantra Group properties in south-east Queensland, North Queensland and northern NSW experiencing their strongest forward bookings yet, the leading hospitality group says.
Mantra Group - one of Australia's leading operators of branded corporate and leisure accommodation with over 140 properties under the Peppers, Mantra and Breakfree brands – has recorded strong bookings, particularly on the Tweed Coast.
Mantra CEO Bob East said the results showed a marked increase in consumer confidence.
"We've had particularly strong bookings at Mantra on Salt Beach and Peppers Salt Resort and Spa, both at Kingscliff, where we operate over 750 rooms," Mr East said.
"After a tough year and pent-up demand, customers are booking early to ensure they secure their preferred accommodation over the Christmas holiday accommodation.
"This shows how highly Australians value local holidays, especially beachside resorts.
"People are feeling better about the economy and life in general, and are very much looking forward to the Christmas holidays.
In comparison to last year the group is holding 15% more occupancy than the previous year.
With 3,500 employees, Mantra Group manages around 140 properties and approximately 15,000 rooms across the corporate and leisure market in Australia and New Zealand.