Tourism and Social Media: An Internet Reality Check
Tourism is big business. In fact, it’s one of the world’s largest industry. I need not tell you that Social Media is also big, so it is a no brainer that these are a match made in heaven.
Now research says that 4 out of 10 people research online before they travel. That may seem less cause I thought 9 out of 10 did that, but welcome to the real world not every place in the world have internet privileges like us bloggers. But considering the fact the total number of people travelling around the world it is very big number. Because of this, tourism businesses around the world are focussing their marketing strategies on Social Media, some even leading with it over traditional advertising. And why not? If you can get a campaign to go viral, you will get heaps of free PR and, in turn, more people travelling to your destinations, right? Unfortunately it’s not that easy.
Queensland tourism ad “best job in the world” campaign was one of the most successful campaigns ever. The very first day had about 20000 applications which obviously lead to the crash of the website on a couple of occasions. The campaign has been talked about on over 1 500 blogs and even won a coveted Grand Prix at this year’s Cannes Lions International Advertising Awards.
The Queensland tourism ad was very well made the ad does not call you directly to the island to have fun or a good time. The only thing in the campaign which tell you about the island is small link which says “About the Island”. It’s a well documented Web Design policy, if you want users to convert, have strong Calls to Action.
As a tourism business few of the following tools may be used to make your business look pretty. These tools are not just tools but a whole a new world in itself with large number of people living in.
Facebook: over 500millions users, can set up a fan page around a subject or just a “like” page around the business. Facebook also give users tips and tricks to make your page a valuable resource and then update it with relevant deals and specials.
Twitter: Twitter is nonetheless an awesome way to communicate with an opt-in base of followers in short bursts. Tweet deals, interesting facts and links to interactive video and photo content.
Blogs: Blogs may be more traditional but the one of the most effective ways to promote a tourism website. Blogs generate fresh content and the best part; it ranks well on Google and other search engines. It encourages interactions through comments and views and provides the business with a human face.
Niche social networking sites are emerging in many businesses and Tourism is one business where there are some really good ones. TripAdvisor, WAYN short for “Where Are You Now” are few of the famous and effective ones.
Here is a ad which speaks about Goa tourism and shows that Goa is not just about beached but also lot of other things. Best waay to reach a large audience and a far audience put the ad on a public open forum.
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So, as you can see, Social Media can work to increase a tourism business’ revenue and brand profile, you just have to invest time and creativity into it and drive people toward conversion. You also don’t need huge volumes to make a success of Social Media. With the right message, in the right space, talking to the right audience. Don’t forget to drop in your views and comments chao….!!
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