ITI Marketing

The impact of two technological shifts - the massive adoption rate of the smartphone and the rise of social media - have created a monumental shift in consumer behavior that is rapidly changing the travel marketing landscape.

For years, travel has relied on the 'lead' and the e-mail database to create an ongoing dialogue with the consumer, to date  it has been a effective strategy for the tourism industry. However, email open rates are on the decline and e-mail lists are churned by marketing companies, the effectiveness of this powerful resource has and will continue to diminish. Social media offers a way to create a more regular and sustainable dialogue and relationship with consumers then an e-mail program can.

We have entered the age of the consumer, a consumer who is armed with a mobile device, and is
increasingly more comfortable to use their keyboard and social media platforms such as Facebook and
Twitter and many others to engage, offer advice, air grievances, inspire friends and offer tips to others. In
return, these consumers also expect that they have instantaneous access to information and purchasing no
matter when and where they may be. For DMO's, the role of social marketing in creating a dialogue and
responding to consumers as it relates to customer loyalty and engagement becomes increasingly
important.

Social Media Facts:
The average month unique visitors to social website in the travel category grew more than 35% from
2008 - 2010 - PhoCusWright

According to PhoCusWright, “the number of visitors Facebooks referred to hotel websites last year
jumped fivefold to 5.2 million visitors between 2008 and 2010."

At ITI-Marketing we offer DMO's programming that will help generate and manage an effective social
media program for your destination.

Some of our programming includes:

• Our Social Monitor where we track your destination on 17 different social sites giving you up to the minute reports on posts so that you can respond to each in a timely matter.
• We offer full Facebook Campaigns that just don't generate blanket numbers of 'likes' but engage your consumers and build product loyalty and recognition.
• We also can run 'tweetathons' engaging and creating social buzz for your customers via twitter.
• Run your social marketing programs.

Call or e-mail us and we'll be happy to share with you on how you can develop an effective ongoing social strategy for your destination.