Believe it or not, Facebook may help you plan your next trip. Recent studies reveal that what matters most when planning a trip is not where you’re going, but rather who you know that has already traveled to that destination. Without a doubt, the ubiquitous marketing tool’s unique brand interaction is setting a new beat to the travel pulse.
While trusted travel brands unquestionably provide valuable trip advice, word of mouth from a loyal group of friends may be more worthwhile. That all-too-familiar computer screen gaze at flashing photographs of friends in exotic places around the world is apparently enough for daydreamers to start packing. According to a 2011 poll featured on UK-based flight comparison site Skyscanner.com, 52% of Facebook users stated that seeing friends’ vacation pictures inspired them to book a trip to that particular place.
Numerous recent statistics speak to the revelatory link between social media & travel decisiveness. Consulting firm EyeforTravel released the 2012 report Social Media & Mobile Travel, which indicates that 7 out of 10 travel brands professed how social media has not only generated a remarkable amount of direct bookings from social media sites, but has also significantly improved engagement with customers.
Read full story at: http://www.forbes.com/sites/traceygreenstein/2012/07/06/how-facebook-is-shaping-your-2012-travel-decisions/