Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Location-Based Social Media Is Ready to Go Places

Brand Networks brings location check-ins and Patches to ski resort Sunday River with GO, their new promotions platform leveraging Facebook® Places

The intersection of mobile, location and social marketing is a busy place for marketers. The launch of Facebook Places and recent announcement of Deals has delivered the concept of "checking-in" to over 500 million people. Yet the question remains: how will brands harness the power of social check-ins, engage consumers and ultimately drive business objectives?

Introducing GO, the newest offering from Brand Networks, a leading Social Solutions company and Facebook Preferred Developer Consultant. GO enables brand marketers to deliver customized location-based promotions leveraging Facebook Places.

The GO framework enables the creation of custom applications on Facebook Platform and for iPhone and Android devices. A tab on a brand's Facebook Page invites fans to begin checking in, playing the game, and unlocking rewards of all types. Once users grant permission for the application, brands can begin rewarding their check-in behavior. Removing the "friction" of additional mobile app installation means users are now ready to go places.

One of New England's largest ski resorts Sunday River is trailblazing with the first GO-powered promotion and application on Facebook called Sunday River Patches. This new campaign plays off the nostalgia of embroidered patches representing adventurous travel and aligned perfectly with the resort's new marketing campaign titled "Find Your Happy Place."

Nick Lambert, VP of Sales and Marketing at Sunday River, explains that "Social media is a key component of Sunday River's marketing mix and we're very excited to be working with Brand Networks to integrate Facebook Places into our social marketing strategy."

This season, Sunday River guests can check-in on all eight peaks, at select slopeside venues like the Foggy Goggle, or on the signature lift the Chondola to earn virtual embroidered Patches. Adding to the game play, users can use select keywords to their comments when it's snowing to unlock the "Powder Day" patch for example. Tag a friend, and each guest will reveal the "Buddy" Patch. And for the true Sunday River loyalists, check- in more than 10 times and you earn the esteemed "Local" Patch. Lastly, check-ins at select locations throughout the season will have the added bonus of enabling users to claim real promotions through Deals.

Brand Networks' new leader of Location-Based Social Media, Matt Handy, is no stranger to the social space. He joins the Boston company after several successful launches for PUMA Golf, including the PUMA Open, which leveraged a host of social media tie-ins and consumer engagement both on and off-site. As he states, "With GO, we're helping brands lay the foundation for promotions which reward frequency, loyalty and brand evangelism. Broadcasting your check ins and earning virtual rewards has intrinsic value for loyalists. We're also working with our clients to link this behavior with real rewards and offers, delivering on the promise of the new "Social CRM."

One thing is clear: Facebook has changed the game again with Facebook Places. Progressive companies and cutting edge brands are just starting to get in the geo-location game and offerings like Brand Network's "GO" are helping them get off the sidelines.

Source: PRNewswire


SinoTech Group signs deal: To provide PATA members with social media analytics data

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has joined forces with the SinoTech Group, a performance-based digital marketing company headquartered in Beijing. The SinoTech Group is known regionally as technology innovators in social media analytics, search marketing and affiliate marketing. These are all areas of marketing having increased impacts within the tourism and hospitality sectors.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed last week in Beijing by Greg Duffell, chief executive officer, PATA, and Dr Mathew McDougall, founder and chief executive officer of the SinoTech Group.

Duffell considers the partnership to be extremely significant, as there are over 500-million Facebook users across the globe who keep the online world updated about their travels. Blogs, followed by travel forums, are the second and third most popular online tools travellers use to share their experiences. Said Duffell: “With the increased popularity of social media and its powerful impact on sharing a traveller’s experience, it is imperative nowadays for travel-and-tourism marketers to learn how to engage with potential consumers by leveraging this particular online tool.”

Dr McDougall is very pleased with the signing of this partnership, as the group represents a wide range of international and domestic hotel groups, airlines and tourism groups. Said McDougall: “I am excited about entering into this two-year agreement with PATA to provide their members with social media analytics data. It is now widely recognised that social media is having a significant impact on the travel-and-tourism sector, and this is the start of addressing this need for a greater social media understanding."

Source: PATA


Thursday, November 4, 2010

Award-Winning Yucatan Holidays Launches Exclusive Facebook Travel Deal

Yucatan Holidays, the award-winning travel agency in Mexico, is using innovating social media tools in an effort to increase travel to Mexico, Cancun and the Yucatan Peninsula.

With tourism being Mexico’s third largest source of revenue, government and independent travel agencies have increased their efforts to promote travel to the country in wake of growing insecurities.

Known for its innovative creation of unique travel packages and use of social media, Yucatan Holidays has recently launched an exclusive Facebook travel deal for Cancun hotel accommodations for $22 USD per person, per night for two adults and up to two children.

The exclusive promotion gives travelers the opportunity to secure the offer at the $22 USD rate while giving until 2011 to travel. With more than 5,300 friends on Facebook, the Cancun vacation package is only available to people who "Like" the Yucatan Holidays Facebook Fan Page.

Yucatan Holidays designed a quirky-looking package on their website that resembles the Facebook layout. The design of the deal page includes Facebook comments and likes from Captain Jack Sparrow, Marty McFly, Homer Simpson, and Chuck Norris.

The travel agency is on the cutting-edge of using innovative social media campaigns and techniques. Such as their weekly YH Quick Getaway which invites their fans to win a vacation to Cancun every week.

Yucatan Holidays is also a strong proponent of sustainable tourism, providing unique vacation packages that feature remarkable cultural and environmental education experiences for travelers. These authentic cultural vacations in the Yucatan Peninsula support local communities, indigenous populations, and the natural environment. The Mexican-owned agency received the International Star Award for Quality (ISAQ) from Business Initiatives Directions (BID) for its commitment to quality and excellence.

The Cancun-based travel group provides vacationers with a range of hotels, excursions and travel benefits. Mexico is the second most popular international luxury destination and fourth in the world for eco-tourism. Cancun and the Riviera Maya have become a preferred travel destination in Mexico for their attractive vacation tours, including Mexico's best beaches facing the Caribbean Sea.

Source: PRNewswire

Monday, October 25, 2010

Blog Outpost - Quien is mas treehouse? Life in the Costa Rican trees

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'Quien is mas treehouse? Life in the Costa Rican trees' at http://www.livingabroadincostarica.com

Treehouse at Finca Bella Vista, Costa Rica; photo by David W. Smith

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Blog Outpost - Lonesome Lady Venice Italy

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Destinations, Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing a photo blog 'Lonesome Lady Venice Italy' at http://blog.kyletunneyphotography.com.

A photo of a lone woman walking one of the many canals in Venice, Italy
Photo Credit: Kyle Tunney Photography



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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Seoul Tourism Launches a New, Convenient Online Travel Info Service

Photo Credit: i Tour Seoul

The seoul tourism organization has created a new, convenient online travel information source called i Tour Seoul. This digital service gives users access to information related to Seoul in multiple languages and is easy to use, especially with a mobile phone.

The website for i Tour Seoul, http://www.visitseoul.net, provides all the essential information visitors will need, including walking tours, package tours, itineraries, attractions, restaurants and performances. In addition, tickets and accommodations can be directly booked using foreign credit cards without having to go through a third party. i Tour Seoul's site also provides useful public transportation information with a handy i Tour Seoul Map that allows searches for any location in Seoul and lets users know the best way to reach a destination.

Travelers who have smart phones can access all of this information on the go through the i Tour Seoul Mobile website. The application version can also be downloaded for free and can be used on most smart phones, including iPhones, Android phones, and Windows mobile phones. Also, since iPhones with the i Tour Seoul Application already installed are available for rent*, there's no reason to be in Seoul without your own, personal handheld tour guide!

*iPhones can be rented with a credit card or a 600,000 won (approx. $600) cash deposit. Using the i Tour Seoul application is free, but calls made on the rental iPhone will be charged separately (within Korea: 100 won/10 seconds). Using other applications or the website may also incur additional charges.

Rental locations can be found at the Incheon international airport (located between Gates 6 and 7, and Gates 10 and 11), Gimpo international airport (located at Gate 1), and at the City air terminal's SHOW global roaming center.

Source: PR Web

Monday, October 18, 2010

Michigan Does It Again - Maintains #1 Ranking in Social Media

The October 2010 'How Social Is Your State DMO?' study has ranked Michigan Tourism #1 in the social media space. It also marks the 6th consecutive time the state achieved the winning status. The quarterly study, conducted by Gammet Interactive, is based on the 50 official US tourism offices uses of social media including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube and others.

"As part of our marketing mix to launch the new line of Pure Michigan merchandise, social media tools like Facebook and Twitter allowed us to get the message out quickly and generate interest and sales," stated Zimmerman. Fans interested in ordering Pure Michigan merchandise can log on at michigan.org, the official state travel and tourism Web site and click on the Pure Michigan Store button. Merchandise sales help support the Pure Michigan campaign.

Travel Michigan is partnering with Fluency Media for on-going strategy and implementation for the Pure Michigan social media program. Ann Arbor based Fluency Media develops integrated marketing solutions which include social media strategy and execution, email marketing, online publishing, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising and Web site sales flow optimization programs.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Blog Outpost - 5 Amsterdam coffee shops that aren’t “coffeeshops”

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing '5 Amsterdam coffee shops that aren’t “coffeeshops”' at http://www.nomadicnotes.com

Cafe at the Hotel Americain - Photo Credit: Nomadic Notes


  

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Blog Outpost - A Guide to Norway’s Phenomenal Fjords

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'A Guide to Norway’s Phenomenal Fjords' at http://blog.hotelclub.com

 Photo Credit: Image by kennymatic, HotelClub Travel Blog

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Saturday, October 9, 2010

Victoria Art Gallery in Bath signs up for Visitor Review platform

Following the success of review platforms for attractions such as Thermae Bath Spa, The Roman Baths, The Fashion Museum and Bath Historic Venues, The Victoria Art Gallery is now the 5th attraction in Bath to launch this innovative social media solution.

Using all their own branding, the Victoria Art Gallery review platform will be seamlessly integrated on their website www.victoriagal.org.uk from the 1st October 2010.

The solution will be used to better interact with their customers and to gather valuable comments and feedback about their experiences at the Gallery.

With over 1,500 decorative art treasures, and a fun-packed diary of activities, talks and tours, they hope to gather authentic customer insight, providing potential customers with the information they seek online before making a decision.

Some of the artists featured in the gallery include Thomas Gainsborough, Thomas Jones Barker and Walter Sickert.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Blog Outpost - Discovery Adventures Serengeti Wildlife Safari

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'Discovery Adventures Serengeti Wildlife Safari' at http://blog.discoveryadventures.com

Leopard at Serengeti National Park - Source: Discovery Adventures





Social Media Workshops At Casa Velas

This past summer, the AAA Four Diamond Casa Velas Hotel Boutique in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, introduced free Social Media workshops for their guests.

The program helps guests create a profile, add friends, upload photos and “Like” pages on Facebook; create Twitter accounts as well as create and upload videos to YouTube.

“The plan is to first offer the classes at Casa Velas, rolling out the workshops to all four of our resorts at a later date,” said Juan Vela, Vice President of Velas Resorts.

The current workshops run through December 31, 2010. 

For more information, visit http://www.hotelcasavelas.com


Photo courtesy of Casa Velas

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Blog Outpost - Parachuters Land at Mountain View Grand Resort in New Hampshire

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'Parachuters Land at Mountain View Grand' at www.mountainviewgrand.com.

 Photo Credit: Harry Parker Photography -
Source Mountain View Grand Resort




Monday, October 4, 2010

Blog Outpost - Cowboy Up & Kick Back at Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'Cowboy Up & Kick Back at Circle Bar B Guest Ranch & Stables' at www.santabarbaraca.com

 
Photo Credit: SantaBarbaraca.com 





Luxury travel company Cox & Kings appoints Leapfrogg as digital marketing partner

Cox & Kings, the longest established travel company in the world, has appointed Brighton based digital marketing agency, Leapfrogg, to deliver an integrated search, social media and content strategy.

Cox & Kings’ history stretches back over 250 years when the company was involved in shipping, banking and other logistical activities before becoming a tour operator (in the modern context) in 1970. Initially specialising in India and natural history tours, more recently the company has broadened its range to include Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe and Australasia.

Supporting Cox & Kings in-house marketing and PR team, Leapfrogg will be responsible for creating and executing an integrated digital strategy aimed at establishing Cox & Kings as the premier name in upmarket travel. Underpinned by the company’s core values of service and expertise, Leapfrogg is tasked with gaining market share for the core market of over 50’s, whilst also helping the company to open up to a new, younger audience.

Leapfrogg’s understanding of travel retail will ensure online tactics work in a ‘joined up’ manner, whilst also aligning with offline advertising and direct marketing activity to deliver a consistent multi-channel experience for prospects and customers.

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Blog Outpost - The Top 5 Ways to Explore Scottsdale’s Sonoran Desert

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'The Top 5 Ways to Explore Scottsdale's Sonoran Desert' at http://blog.scottsdalecvb.com.

 
Photo Credit: Scottsdale Convention & Visitor Bureau Blog




 

Friday, October 1, 2010

Blog Outpost - Top 10 Castles Around the World

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing 'Top10 Castles Around the World' at http://blog.cheapoair.com.

 Chillon Castle – Veytaux, Switzerland : Source CheapOair Blog

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