Beyond the realm of lolcats and other memes, social media has become a powerful tool for businesses, brands and global politics. Facebook helps us to connect, Twitter to share ideas, Tumblr to spread content…and so forth. Now, the tourism industry is utilizing the powers of social to inventively lure new travelers, engender consumer loyalty, and put unknown locales on the virtual map.
Crowdsourced National Twitter: The challenge of conveying a brand’s message via social media is trumped only, perhaps, by attempting to use it to create one voice for an entire nation. With that goal in mind, the Swedish government decided to select a group of diverse content curators that would rotate every seven days on its @Sweden Twitter handle, rather than putting one person in charge. With the hope that having varied perspectives would attract a wide array of tourists from around the globe, the Curators of Sweden program chose a writer to start off the conversation, followed by a teacher, a priest and a female truck driver.
As initiatives that promote and legalize same-sex marriage continue to gain steam across the country, hospitality companies are paying attention to a growing clientele: gay honeymooners. As such, several new hotels and resorts aimed at gay travelers are offering LGBT-friendly conveniences and activities in safe and welcoming atmospheres.
The Out NYC: Inspired by a visit to the Axel Hotel in Barcelona—one of a chain of upscale hotels marketed to gay tourists—developer Ian Simpson Reisner is now finalizing plans for gay-aimed property in midtown Manhattan. Set to open in early 2012, Reisner’s sprawling urban resort will appeal to the city’s gay tourists and residents alike, with a boutique hotel, upscale restaurant, Nickel spa, and a reception hall geared toward same-sex weddings. But The Out NYC’s flagship might prove to be the XL Nightclub, Lounge and Cabaret, a dance club and party space in a 14,000 square foot renovated garage which will open to the public this fall.
Though many travelers criticize how technology has made airport security more intrusive, digital integration in the air travel industry also has its benefits—for both passengers and pilots. In order to stay competitive with innovative new travel services, major airlines are using technology to upgrade their offerings and operations and, in the process, providing a glimpse of the future of travel.
Tech Travel Companions: Richard Branson’s hip and affordable Virgin America is offering passengers the opportunity to “test-fly” Google’s new Chromebook. Through September 30th, guests departing from participating airports can check out the hotly-anticipated laptop and stay connected while up in the clouds. In addition, UrbanDaddy curated content for a Virgin America Traveler app (available exclusively at the Chrome Web Store) which recommends the best restaurants, nightlife, shopping and entertainment in travelers’ destination cities. Making good use of the virtual mood board trend, the app helps users build and share visual Trip Boards, proving that it’s never too soon to gain inspiration for one’s next jaunt.
As the dog days of summer draw to an unwelcome close, it’s nearly time to start planning our next vacation. For many, the travel bug has been fueled by a constant stream of media images from enticing global locales, including those in the recently released user-generated film Life in a Day. To the rescue are several new trip planning sites designed to aid even the most discerning travelers.
Fortnighter: Travelers love Expedia for low cost air fare and Travelocity for hotel guidance, but it’s the finer details that require deeper consideration. As if on cue, Fortnighter creates unique itineraries that cater to the particular quirks of individual travelers. After answering a series of questions that address everything from food and accommodation preferences to the relative appeal of various types of museums, nightclubs and spas, members receive a suggested itinerary designed by travel journalists who’ve written for publications like Lonely Planet and Rough Guides. Confidence in the proficiency of this virtual travel agency is imperative, however, as payment is required in order to access the personalized itineraries.
