Social media round-up
Apple announced the launch date and price for its new ‘Apple Watch’ this week (available to pre-order from April 10 and on sale from April 24, from £299-£13,500, in case you’re interested). Travel brands have immediately jumped onto the hype bandwagon and the likes of Ryanair and Accor have announced dedicated apps for the new wearable tech. The budget airline is planning features such as boarding passes to be displayed on the watch and ‘micro-moment’ alerts that let the wearer know when their boarding gate is closing. Similarly, Accorhotels Apple Watch app, which is available in 10 languages, will share alerts for when online check in is available and offer information about bookings, hotel services and the local area. The jury is still out on how popular the new gadget will be… but they were about the iPad at this stage too.
New social media app Meerkat is making waves on the Twittersphere and for all the right reasons. The app which was launched late last month allows users to conduct live broadcasts with their followers. Live broadcasts on Meerkat exist purely in the moment and disappear when finished; however, users have the option to share on other platforms once complete. Let friends experience your favourite travel moments with you in real time or if you are looking for a bit of an escape, travel the world from your current location via other users’ broadcasts – the possibilities with Meerkat are endless.
With the election getting ever closer, research conducted by Ipsos Mori and King’s College London has revealed that more than a third (34%) of those aged 18-24 said that reading something on social media was likely to influence their vote – second only to TV debates. Across Britain as a whole, social media is listed fourth as a potential influence on voting – after the TV debates, newspapers and election broadcasts, and just ahead of leaflets through the letter box.
And finally, Pedro the Penguin was introduced to the world via Dubai Airport’s new social media campaign which is running on Youtube and Facebook. The campaign follows Pedro as he visits Dubai from his home in Antarctica and experiences the multitude of offerings in this renowned airport. The social media campaign hopes to highlight the varied product range available at the airport which includes spas and hotels as well as retail outlets and relaxation spaces such as Zen Garden and also reinforce the airport’s status as the world’s number one international airport.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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