METRO EVENT
Social media is a best tool for tourism marketing
India ’ s first conference on travel technology got underway today with a call to tourism and allied businesses to utilise social media , the blog world and digital apps for marketing their services to the new , tech-savvy global traveller .
Social media and online marketing were the focus of today ’ s discussions at the International Conference on Travel Technology ( ICTT ) India which was inaugurated on Friday at The Leela in Kovalam .
As travel decisions become increasingly influenced by peer reviews and opinions on social networks such as Facebook , Twitter , Google +, LinkedIn , Instagram and Pinterest , experts are advising businesses to factor in the internet in their marketing strategies .
“ Social Media has become a constant presence throughout the traveller life cycle – from decision and planning stage , to the actual vacation , to post holiday ,” said Ms Selina Power , a social media specialist from Australia .
“ It has become our information network and our source of news .” A large proportion of travellers today use smartphones when they are travelling , to take photos , use maps or search for restaurants , she said . “ They post photos and reviews for others to see and be influenced by ; which travel businesses need to take seriously .” Her advice to those in the industry is : “ create engaging social
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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
July 2013
METRO mart