Saturday, April 30, 2011

Contiki Holidays Partners with Environmentalist, Adventurer and World Explorer, Céline Cousteau Céline [Video]


Courtesy of Contiki Holidays on YouTube



Carnival Cruise Lines Unprecedented Social Media Event on Facebook May 1, 2011

In an unprecedented social media event, Carnival Cruise Lines is inviting Facebook fans www.facebook.com/carnival to experience the excitement of Carnival Magic's May 1 launch from Venice, Italy, with a series of videos that showcase the ship's inaugural activities along with its many unique features and innovations.

A series of 11 videos will be posted every half hour between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. (U.S. Eastern time) on Sunday, May 1.  The videos take viewers on a journey as they enjoy a front-row seat at the Carnival Magic's naming ceremony, tour the ship's bridge, and learn more about the Caribbean-inspired RedFrog Pub, WaterWorks aqua park, and Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant, with insight from company executives who helped create these exciting new spaces.

The videos also offer an in-depth look at the ship's European ports of call and a recap of the day's events, including a chat with the ship's godmother, Lindsey Wilkerson, a former patient of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital who now serves as an employee and an ambassador of the organization. Carnival Magic's Senior Cruise Director John Heald will also answer questions submitted by Facebook fans as part of an informative "Ask John" segment.

After the videos are posted, fans can participate in a Facebook quiz based on the videos for a chance to win a seven-day Carnival Magic cruise for four to the Caribbean.

"Only a handful of people get to witness a ship launch in person so by using Facebook we're enabling fans from all over the world to be right there with us as we welcome Carnival Magic into the fleet," said Jim Berra, Carnival's chief marketing officer. "Those who are not already among our 725,000 and growing Facebook fans can visit us at www.facebook.com/carnival and simply hit the 'like' button." ww.facebook.com/carnival

The 3,690-passenger Carnival Magic will spend its inaugural season in Europe with a series of seven- to 12-day Mediterranean cruises operating May 1 through October 16, 2011. Following a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Magic will begin seven-day Caribbean cruises out of Galveston, Texas, on November 14, 2011, becoming the port's largest year-round ship.

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


Source: Press release at PR Newswire

Monday, April 25, 2011

"Pick Your Prize With CheapOair" Social Media Contest

CheapOAir, an award-winning website launched their "Pick Your Prize With CheapOair" contest today. One lucky individual (and someone they ‘like’) will have two prizes to choose from if they are the big winner.

Prize 1: Get Trendy in Lisbon
• Two round-trip tickets on TAP Portugal to the city of Lisbon.
• Four-night stay at the luxurious 5-star Tiara Park Atlantic Lisboa.
• A 72-hour city pass to explore Portugal’s capital and largest city!

Prize 2: Porto – Your World Heritage City
• Two round-trip tickets on TAP Portugal to the city of Porto.
• Four-night stay at the luxurious 5-star Tiara Park Atlantic Porto.
• A 72-hour city pass to explore the home of port wine along the Douro River.

The contest starts today April 25, 2011 and ends April 29, 2011.

To enter,  Like’ the CheapOair Facebook page. Already a fan? Then just leave a comment on the daily Portugal posts. Leave a comment each day for more chances to win!

The winner will be announced Monday May 2, 2011 on the CheapOair Facebook page.

For more information visit http://www.facebook.com/cheapoair


Saturday, April 9, 2011

JW Marriott Indianapolis Presents the “33 Stories” Facebook Contest

In celebration of the recent opening of the tallest hotel in Indiana, with 33 stories of sophisticated design, the JW Marriott Indianapolis today announces its “33 Stories” contest promotion, encouraging fans to share their stories about the JW Marriott Indianapolis hotel.

The participant whose story receives the most “likes” will win two nights in a spacious executive suite at the groundbreaking Indianapolis hotel as well as champagne and strawberries upon arrival and complimentary breakfast for two each morning.

Full press release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/4/prweb8280697.htm



Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Idaho Tourism Unveils New Look for VisitIdaho.org Website

The Idaho Department of Commerce, Division of Tourism today unveiled a new version of their flagship website, VisitIdaho.org.

“The evolution of our Adventures in Living brand and our Great Idaho Getaway campaign inspired the updated look and feel” said Karen Ballard, Administrator for the Division of Tourism. “Easier navigation with new user interface and advanced search features that embrace mobile usage required the update of the award winning site.” said Ballard.

The site includes photography, video, 360 degree virtual tours, Google Maps and a range of social media platforms including the Visit Idaho Blog, Facebook, Twitter and You Tube.

The launch coincides with Idaho Tourism’s Great Idaho Getaway marketing campaign that runs April – Sept 2011 and offers impressive monthly vacation prize giveaways from our regional tourism partners.

For ideas on how to have an active, good value, adventure-filled vacation, visit http://www.visitidaho.org/ where you can find package deals and sign up for the vacation getaways.


Full Press Release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2011/4/prweb8237191.htm


Blog Outpost: Win a Free Vacation at the Beach!

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar.

Today, you are viewing 'Win a Free Vacation on Beautiful Panama City Beach!' at http://www.edgewaterbeachresort.com/blog/?p=2388

Photo courtesy of Edgewater Beach & Golf Resort
http://twitter.com/ResortsPCBeach


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Cheapflights Brings Inspiration Search to Facebook

Cheapflights, the online leader in finding and publishing travel deals, has added a new spin to its Facebook page, literally.

Now, with the Travel Inspiration application, Cheapflights Facebook users in the U.S., U.K. and Canada can spin the globe to spark their travel imaginations.

Modeled after the successful "Be Inspired" tab on the Cheapflights Web sites, the new Facebook application combines a playful interface with travel inspiration, asking users to simply click on the flag of their home country and select their departure point. From there, they have the option to add details such as budget, continent, trip type (beaches, adventure, family, etc.) and/or timeframe (next 30 days, two months or three months). The app does the rest, delivering a destination suggestion and specific flight deals for the trip.

"We are striving to put the fun back into travel and travel planning," said Chris Cuddy, CEO of Cheapflights Media. "There's a vast world of travel opportunities, and sometimes all that's missing is a spark of inspiration. Because our app is tied to real deals, we not only whet users' appetites for new places, but give them the concrete pricing and availability they need to book a great adventure."

"This app is also the perfect fit for the newest wave of budget-driven travelers -- those willing to be adventurous, try new things, and go further than they've gone before to make the most of their holiday budget. Our app opens their eyes to new choices and affordable alternatives," adds Cuddy.

The Facebook application puts inspiration search at the heart of the social media universe, where users share and compare travel plans and aspirations, but that's not all. Each spin of the globe brings a chance to be entered into a golden pin sweepstake. If a user and two friends all find a gold pin while using our Facebook application, they all win a chance to enter for a weekly prize.

View full press release at http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Cheapflights-Brings-Inspiration-Search-to-Facebook-1423036.htm


Saturday, April 2, 2011

Tourism Video Channel of the Day: Visit Peru

Beginning today, we are featuring a "Tourism Video Channel of the Day" at www.twitter.com/socmediatravel.

Today, let's go to Peru! http://www.youtube.com/visitperu, Follow on Twitter @VisitPeru


Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific Launches ‘Live Elite’ Competition on Facebook!


Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific invites you to enter their 'Live Elite' competition on Facebook and experience some of the most amazing resorts in the Asia Pacific region.


Photo Credit: Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific

Each month (April, May, June, July) will feature a Sun, Sea, Spa or Snow experience at these hotels in the region: Banyan Tree Samui, Koh Samui; Huvafen Fushi, Maldives; AYANA Resort & Spa, Bali and The Green Leaf Niseko Village, Japan. Check out the details on their blog http://bit.ly/ecAb4i. Follow on Twitter @eliteresorts



Sunday, March 27, 2011

New Media Travel Recognizes Vemont B&B Owners for Social Media Marketing Campaign to Reach New Customers

New Media Travel has recognized 40 Putney Road, in Brattleboro, Vermont as one of the few Bed & Breakfasts actively using social media platforms to attract new customers.

A recent TripAdvisor research project with The Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) found that 95 percent of travelers never consider staying at a B and B.

Clearly, Owners Tim and Amy Brady understand the power of social media marketing in converting hotel and resort patrons into B and B guests.

And Founder and CEO of New Media Travel Kaleel Sakakeeny http://technorati.com/people/kaleeltvp/ agrees with this strategy. "Social media is critical to engage travelers," he said. "A recent survey by Google http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article43160.html uncovered that 79 percent of consumers watch YouTube videos to research personal travel options," Sakakeeny added.

To continue building momentum for 40 Putney Road, Sakakeeny created a branded Travel Video Postcard http://www.youtube.com/travelvideo#p/a/u/2/BZiKB8Ge3kY.

"Our Travel Video Postcards http://www.youtube.com/user/travelvideo are one-minute editorial-quality, compelling sound-rich travel videos that bring destinations to life, linked to an effective energized social networking strategy. They are embedded on nearly a million websites and blogs globally," he concluded.

He also posted a blog on about 40 Putney Road on a dedicated Technorati travel feature page: http://technorati.com/lifestyle/travel/article/new-innkeepers-use-social-media-to/

But why is social media a powerful tool for building business at this independently owned inn?

"This study reveals," Tim says, "that most travelers are afraid of the B and B experience." Younger travelers, in particular, don't want to eat breakfast with people they don't know, he added.

So the Bradys accept the marketing challenge of reaching potential B and B guests with robust Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as fun, non-promotional videos posted on YouTube and other video sharing sites.

And Sakakeeny of New Media Travel says he'll continue to spotlight and partner with marketers, tourism boards, and destinations to tweet, blog, engage and market their way to success in the digital world.

Kaleel Sakakeeny, founder and CEO of New Media Travel, (http://technorati.com/people/kaleeltvp/) produces Travel Video PostCards, one-minute, sound rich travel videos; timely blogs, and Audio PostCards, all providing travel news and information for consumers and the travel industry.

New Media Travel (http://www.newmediatravel.com/) identifies travel trends and travel technology developments and actively creates editorial quality, rich media content for the travel industry.

Source: PR Web http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/03/prweb5189874.htm


Monday, March 21, 2011

Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok Goes Mobile

Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok is now going mobile by launching its brand new mobile website. Guests using any mobile device are able to visit the Rembrandt and be automatically redirected to the mobile site featuring all the latest promotions from Rembrandt's five award winnings restaurants, make bookings, and much more.

Rembrandt's webpage also interlinks with its Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Blog and other social media platforms. In addition, the webpage is combined with Rembrandt's dynamic CRM platform powered by Mobikon technologies providing guests with convenience and the latest in news and updates right in the palm of the hand. The Rembrandt is proud to maintain its positions as one of the leading trendsetting hotels in Bangkok by implementing the latest technology to enhance guest experience.

Source: http://pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=662261&Itemid=30


Saturday, March 19, 2011

Mesa, Ariz. Tourism Bureau Launches New, Gadget-Loaded Web Site

The Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau (Mesa CVB) unveiled a new website, http://www.visitmesa.com/, featuring updated Internet functions that will help the tourism organization promote Mesa’s core attributes to the online consumer.

The site, designed and hosted by Tucson-based Simpleview, utilizes numerous new and innovate tools and gadgets that are in-demand by today’s Internet user. From up-to-the-minute social media feeds for Twitter and Facebook to the addition of a coupon function for Mesa attractions and tourism-related businesses, consumers can expect more user-friendly access to travel-related content for Mesa, Arizona.

The website overhaul re-organized the destination under four basic pillars: Hotels, Restaurants, Calendar and How to Get Here. When laying out the site map it was critical to make the online travel resource easy to navigate and these four categories were selected based on most popular search terms from the previous website. The site’s content was completely updated and now reflects bold Mesa imagery that changes based on the season/time of year, as well as six sub-categories with tailored information for each unique audience: Tour & Trade, Media, Sports Planner, Meeting Planner and Visitors.

Access the full press release here http://www.prweb.com/releases/2011/3/prweb8216351.htm


Tuesday, March 15, 2011

First Ever Combination of Social Media and Cruise Vacation Giveaway

Cruise Discounter CruiseNow.com recently launched a very innovative and unique Cruise Giveaway with Royal Caribbean International to give away a cruise for 2 on a 7 night Royal Caribbean Cruise.

What makes this contest so unique is the introduction of social media. The sweepstakes of the past are traditionally an email or name sign up, including but not limited to, some minor demographic information. CruiseNow.com has taken that concept to the next level.

Online users are prompted to enter their email address to earn an entry in the contest, but then are invited to “connect” with Cruise Now socially to earn additional entries which will enhance their chances of winning the cruise. Some of these extra opportunities are, “Liking” CruiseNow.com on Facebook, Following them on Twitter, Retweeting the promotion to their friends, sharing the promotion on their Facebook wall, subscribing to the Cruise Now YouTube channel, reviewing a cruise ship they have been on in the past for their friends and much more. Fans of the contest will have the opportunity to earn up to 9 additional entries in the contest.

Initial response has been overwhelming and CruiseNow.com is fielding calls from news outlets across the country interested in finding out more about this innovative concept. John Keen, CEO of CruiseNow.com, says “I knew we had something special when we saw the huge response to the contest in the first 24 hours. It really shows you the power of social media. When your friends recommend something the influence and magnitude is incredible.”

The grand prize for this sweepstakes is a 7 night Caribbean cruise for 2 on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Once Royal Caribbean heard about the social aspect of this sweepstakes they jumped on board to be the cruise line of choice for the winner. They too have been pleasantly surprised by how quickly the contest has spread. It rivals many much more expensive similar sweepstakes that have been done in recent years. It is a true testament that social marketing is here and working in a big, big way.

View original press release at http://www.prweb.com/releases/CruiseNow/cruisegiveaway/prweb8204944.htm


Sunday, March 13, 2011

Golden Age of Aviation Concept Planes Come to Life Again with Launch of a New Online Community

What does it feel like to fly a high-performance fighter plane that never went beyond the concept stage? Those who had that experience did so as armchair aviators in the mid-1920s to the late ‘30s. They were at the controls of futuristic flying machines engaging in dogfights against advanced-design enemy aircraft. All they had to do was read the aviation adventure novels published in 10¢ pulp-fiction magazines.

Each issue featured aircraft that were created in the minds of the most talented aviation artists of the day. These sleek concept planes were so futuristic that they could never have been built with the technologies of those days, yet many of them have since been proven flight worthy when built as flying models.

Those same adventurous experiences of flight are alive today on a new website dedicated to preserving those vintage aviation publications. The Magazine Collector is a social network for an aviation community that focuses on collecting titles such as Bill Barnes Air Adventures and Air Trails that captured the experience of flight in the pre-WWII era.

Read the full press release: http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/87074/




Monday, January 31, 2011

Social Media Travel & Tourism Jobs for 01/31/2011

Love to travel and the world of social media? Start a career doing what you love. Browse today's featured listings for social media travel and tourism jobs. Also include other travel/tourism marketing jobs that involve some social media.

01/31/2011         Featured Social Media Travel & Tourism Jobs

  • Social Media Coordinator for Cruise Company 
  • Details 
  • Manager Social Media - Universal Orlando Resort
    Details 
  • Corporate Communications Manager - Social Media - Hyatt Hotels & Resorts
    Details
  • Social Media Manager -  Langham Hotels International
    Details 
  • Social Media/Sales Manager - Hilton Worldwide (Austin, Texas)
    Details 


Thursday, December 23, 2010

Blog Outpost - 10 Reasons to Visit Jamaica Now: #5 – Dolphin Cove

Blog Outpost features interesting sights & sounds from Travel & Tourism blogs on our radar. Today, you are viewing '10 Reasons to Visit Jamaica Now' at Island Buzz Jamaica

Photo Credit: Lees Tours R Us via IslandBuzzJamaica.com

The aforementioned post appears to have been deleted or moved. View more interesting reads at www.visitjamaica.com/blog.


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

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