It’s no secret that social media has dramatically shifted the way the global hospitality industry does business. With more than one billion Facebook users, 255 million Twitter users, and 200 million Instagram users, it is safe to say that social media isn’t going anywhere.
As more and more travelers turn online to share their experiences, write reviews, post pictures, and seek out travel information and deals – social media has evolved into a tremendous marketing opportunity for hotels to increase their bookings, generate guest referrals, improve hotel reviews, and boost brand awareness.
More than eight in 10 U.S. online travelers are active on social networks, 73 percent of which log onto a social network daily according to findings from a PhoCusWright Travel Technology Survey. And, more than half of American travelers who access the Internet via their phones use it to update social networks with trip-related posts.
- Social media is a large marketing opportunity for hotel brands
- Play up the hotel’s location
- Make it easy to shoot and share
- Give them “WOW” moments
As hotel designers, it is crucial to understand how guests’ use of social media can affect our hotel clients. How can we give travelers experiences that have the potential to go viral? How can we turn guests into advocates for our hotel brands?