EyeforTravel recently surveyed over 500 Asia Pacific (APAC) travel brands about their implementation of social media. 68% have deployed mobile and social media initiatives but are unsure how to “define, achieve and measure success.”
Delta Airlines has implemented a system for travelers to track their checked baggage via the airline carrier’s iPhone app, allowing guests to monitor the whereabouts of their luggage at all times.
All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan’s leading airline carrier, recently announced its “Inspiration of Japan” service brand and products will be introduced to the Los Angeles-Narita (Tokyo) route beginning January 2012.
It’s essential for any company using social media, especially larger entities, to set forth guidelines so that it’s clear what is acceptable in the space.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Hawaii, which has 11 great properties in Hawaii, just held a Tweetup. But rather than host it at one of their properties or even on the islands, it was in Los Angeles.
Hilton Anaheim recently did an art contest to find and commission three talented muralists for the unique opportunity to have their work seen on the hotel’s newly-renovated pool area.
Hotels.com has launched a brilliant marketing campaign featuring JT Holmes booking a hotel room via his cell phone as he freefalls through the sky.
Twitter is an engaging place, one that, when surrounded by various commentary on universal happenings, becomes a tempting place to chime in. That said, when you’re representing your business on these channels, the rules are a little bit different.
Foursquare’s new “lists” feature is extremely useful feature for destination marketing in that is allows a tourism organization to create customized lists for visitors, such as lists for family-friendly vacations, girlfriend getaways, romantic retreats and other such niche vacations.
Il Fornaio Restaurants’ Festa Regionale menu offers the finest in authentic Italian cuisine. Diners who participate in the monthly promotion receive a passport to be stamped during each visit. This is an awesome marketing campaign in that it thrives on the roots of the restaurant, and everything ties in to the concept of traveling through Italy.
The Virginia Tourism Corporation is out to prove that love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. In July, they unveiled oversized LOVE artwork at several Welcome Centers across the state. Then, the local tourism offices jumped into the fun with the Virginia Tourism “Bring LOVE to Your Town” event.
Embassy Suites Hotels is currently running an “awkward family photo” contest. Promotions like these are great because they encourage “audience” participation, and people are going to share the link around simply based on the fact it’s entertaining.
TripSketch Green Book is one of the first green travel mobile apps that allows users to download a virtual guidebook of worldwide eco-friendly hotels, attractions, restaurants and travel options.
As a result of Carmageddon, JetBlue Airlines decided to offer $4 flights from Long Beach to Burbank and vice versa on Saturday. This is a great case study of a brand measuring ROI in terms of positive PR and customer service rather than dollars.
There’s a greater sense of intimacy following a monumental event as its happening rather than simply reading about afterward. The Beverly Hilton shared William and Kate’s arrival to the Los Angeles hotel with their social media fans.
The Caribbean Tourism Organization has begun a new campaign, “Whispers from the Locals,” which strives to provide visitors inside information about the destination that may not be available in the typical travel-related paraphernalia.
The Ritz-Carlton hotel chain is now offering destination advice via Foursquare, making it one of the growing number of luxury brands jumping aboard the geo-location, social media bandwagon.
Joie de Vivre (which means “joy of life”) strives to create innovative hospitality services and products. Their latest initiative, “Singing for an Upgrade,” transforms the standard hotel check-in process into a musical experience.
Alaska Airlines is the first domestic airline to replace paper flight manuals with iPads.
Starwood’s Preferred Guest program is a great way for frequent travelers to earn points to earn free nights at their brand hotels. Recently, this luxury hotel brand also began a Foursquare promotion offering guests additional starpoints for checking in on Foursquare.