LETTER | In the current day, social media has transformed how people engage with and learn about the entire world.
With stunning Instagram images showcasing the beauty of incredible views and TikTok videos showcasing undiscovered cultural gems, these platforms have become effective marketing tools for travel destinations.
More than just a tool for brainstorming, social media facilitates connections between vacation places and different kinds of individuals who like them, making it easier than ever to tell their stories to an international audience.
However, what is the driving force behind social media's significant impact on tourism? Let’s dive into its undeniable advantages in transforming how destinations reach and attract visitors.
By taking advantage of the popularity of TikTok and Instagram, we can spread the word about fresh establishments like hip restaurants and animal shelters that have just opened for business.
This strategy can be beneficial to their businesses as it can save marketing expenses.
Take an ordinary eatery in Bukit Payong, Terengganu, as an example. Thanks to its incredibly affordable cheese naan, this restaurant went viral on social media.
They even created a social media page to spread the word about their restaurant.
The establishment was able to increase its marketing reach despite its distance by making use of social media.
Travel influencers can also show places in a real and relatable way thanks to the material they choose to share and the loyal followers they have.
Influencers who share their experiences through captivating Instagram stories, TikTok videos, or in-depth YouTube vlogs make their followers want to visit the places they talk about.
As a result, these partnerships often feel more personal and trustworthy than traditional advertisements, which makes them excellent at influencing travel choices.
Direct engagement
For example, a well-timed influencer post can make a place that not many people know about into a hotspot that everyone wants to visit, generating a lot of interest and conversation from tourists.
Traditional marketing methods can only send messages in one direction but social media platforms let tourism officials and possible visitors talk directly to each other.
Tourism brands can make the experience more personal and responsive by interacting with their audience in real-time.
This can make customers happy and get more people to come to their places.
The impact of social media on the promotion and interaction of tourist locations with prospective guests is undeniable.
Promoting tourism has never been easier than with its worldwide reach, real-time interaction, and influencer power-harnessing capabilities.
Whether it is promoting new enterprises or revealing hidden treasures, social media marketing is dynamic, cost-effective, and accessible to a wide range of people.
Brands in the tourism industry may increase their visibility, strengthen their relationships with potential customers, and encourage more people to discover the special things a location has to offer by making use of these platforms.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
