In Eviivo's case, a software package called frontdesk offers customers bookings direct from the websites of B&Bs and guesthouses, as well as linking the properties to more than 40 travel and leisure websites, including lastminute.com; hotels.com; Co-op Travel; expedia.co.uk; bedandbreakfasts.co.uk; and theAA.com.
So an institution that was created because politicians in the 1920s were frightened of the power of broadcasting, and wanted to make it a state monopoly, has lumbered on into the 21st century, doing more and more, copying everything its commercial rivals have done (popular radio, 24-hour news, leisure websites and so on).
"Every ManServant is a bespoke experience, created to unleash your inner lady of leisure," promises the ManServants website, where I filled out an order form specifying that Matthieu be toned (not "lean/hipster" or "jacked") with a fresh shave (no five o'clock shadow).
An intervention focussing solely on physical activity was the 'Veloland Schweiz' (Cycling in Switzerland) intervention, promoting leisure cycling using a website and a mobile application ('app') with routes and information, restructuring of the cycling infrastructure and cycling events.
No TV, no newspaper, no social websites, no leisure Internet surfing, no watching videos on the Internet.
The control group received usual health care and a leaflet highlighting the benefits of exercise and including a website address listing local leisure facilities.
"Using this approach, Home Leisure Direct saw a significant increase in website traffic and phone and email enquiries from prospective customers, resulting in a 41.5% uplift in sales," says Smyth.
The former senior editor of Departures magazine, Andrew Sessa is a journalist and writer who contributes to the pages and websites of Departures, Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, Bon Appetit, Town & Country, Marie Claire and more.
Caren's articles have appeared in The New York Times, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler, Parents and other national magazines and websites.
