The Importance of Social Media for Travel Brands

We all dream of taking vacations and traveling to our favorite destinations. Making these dreams a reality is easier said than done. We work hard all year to save money and accrue vacation days for that sweet payoff of the ideal getaway. Before we even consider jet setting or road tripping somewhere for a little much-needed R&R, a good deal of research and planning goes into our plans. And since we have become a social/sharing society, it should come as no surprise that Social Media has a major impact and influence on how we travel and interact with travel brands.

Social Media is Influencing Your Travel Plans

Studies are showing that your friends’ and family’s social posts (Facebook photos, Tweets, and Pins, etc) are actually subconsciously inspiring you to travel. You might begin to research vacation destinations by scrolling through Pinterest boards to see which Caribbean island fits your vacation desires. Or you may search Instagram locations and hashtags of hotels or resorts you’re interested in visiting. Maybe even an errant Tweet reading, “CANCUN 4EVER #SUMMERTOREMEMBER” caught your passive eye, and now a tropical getaway is all you can think about. But it’s these social actions and engagements that are prompting more and more people to take that well-earned vacation.

When you finally do take that vacation, it’s your turn to pay it forward and inspire your friends and family to travel. Check-in to your luxurious hotel or boutique AirBNB on Facebook. Share the cliché but classic feet-in-the-sand photos to make your friends jealous. Tweet to your hotel and airline with questions or customer service requests.

Why Travel Brands Need to Be Monitoring and Participating in Social Media

Social Media provides travel brands with tools to place your business in front of travelers from all walks of life, from all over the world. Building a strong social presence around your brand will allow you to influence consumers as they research and plan their vacations. And during those vacations, the proper strategies can allow you to provide better service and encourage social sharing to help influence their friends’ and families’ future vacation plans.

So how much does Social Media impact travel? Our infographic, “The Importance of Social media for Travel brands,” breaks down not only the importance of social media in travel but how you can leverage social media to influence travelers.

Questions about building your travel brand into a social media powerhouse to connect with more fans and brand advocates? Contact us today for a free social media brand consultation. Your fans are waiting.