Category Archives: Social Media

Quality Content

Every image you post should look like it belongs in a magazine Instagram is a “dreaming” channel in the purchase process, so the images should make someone want to pack their bags immediately and run/fly/swim to your destination, whatever it takes!

Use bright, sharp images with a strong focal point. If the details in the image are blurry or too small, they won’t translate well on mobile.

Decoding Hashtags

Hashtags are not to be ignored! They are a search function for your images – hashtags allow strangers to find your posts when searching for their interests.

Avoid cutesy tags such as #sorrynotsorry for your brand, and make use of strong search terms and your unique branded tag or destination tags, such as #NZMustDo and #NewZealand. These will help...

The earthquake that shook New Zealand just after midnight on Monday, 14 Nov 2016. has been reclassified from a 7.4 to a 7.8-magnitude. The epicenter was traced to the coastal community of Kaikoura northeast of Christchurch. The quake triggered a tsunami measuring 2.49 meters above the usual tide level and sent aftershocks felt across the country.

Roads have been damaged, a huge landslide is currently blocking the road from Christchurch to Kaikoura. The roads from Kaikoura to Hanmer Springs and Kaikoura to Blenheim are impassable. The bridge crossing Waiau River in Christchurch has been affected by land slip and has caused infrastructure disruption.  Schools in the immediate area are closed and damage assessment is on-going.

This has brought back memories of the devastating...

Incorporating video into your digital marketing is a powerful way to increase bookings. While we strongly recommend hiring a professional to craft your main website/brand video, you can easily produce ongoing content for your tourism business with your mobile phone camera in 6 steps.

•    According to Google, 45% of leisure travelers booked instantly after watching a video of the travel activity. 
•    72% of business travelers and 74% of affluent travelers booked upon watching a video (Google)
•    62% of travelers want to watch tourism videos, including tours, sightseeing, cruises, hotel rooms, properties and airlines. (Google)

Holding the cell phone

•    Put the cell phone on a flat surface if possible
•    OR brace your elbows against your ribcage to stabilise it

The majority voice of travel is now more powerful than ever. She’s the female traveller, and her fistful of dollars packs a serious punch.

“The female dollar,” “the gatekeeper,” “the adventure traveler” – referred to by various monikers for her value in group, family, and solo travel, her nature as a planner is intrinsically tied to revenue potential in tourism. Her collective opinion can make or break a travel business. She’s ascended to absolute power in trip planning and she rocks a size 12 dress.

If your business has roots in tourism, make sure there’s a marketing strategy in place speaking directly to women. Why? Because the value is mind blowing.

Dollar Power

Women make up the bulk of travel’s target market. According to Forbes, this segment makes 80% of travel...

Social media may feel daunting some days, but there are a few tricks to get your messages to the right people likely to book!

1. Create Content

This is perhaps the greatest challenge of a successful social media account. Think of it like a television “channel.” No one will tune in if you don’t have any shows for them to watch! Content works best when you educate and inspire. Each post should have something useful or interesting to share, and a beautiful image.

Before you make each post, ask yourself “would I want to read this if [my competitor] posted it?” Take photos, share news and interesting information, and create visuals that could easily belong in a glossy magazine to represent your brand.

2. Collect and Use Data - Know Your Customers

Demographics go far...

It's time to throw away previous models of online distribution! Tomahawk Director and tourism marketing expert Gina Paladini presents the drastic changes in online distribution for tourism, and how your business can stay ahead of the curve.

Download the whitepaper as a PDF

Let’s start by looking back to the 1990 era of travel distribution.

“Those were the days.” The distribution chain was an easy, single flat line with the novel addition of a supplier having their first website.

Today the available distribution "chain" is more like a bicycle wheel with spokes than a chain!\

The increase of distribution channels options requires an deep understanding of your customers, and which channels are best for each stage of the travel purchase...