Social media round-up
To welcome in 2013 we present the first Siren Communications social media round up of the year – enjoy!
After all the presents were opened and the last of the Christmas crackers were pulled, the nation turned its attention to the internet to book a holiday for 2013. Thomson reported that its Christmas Day website sales were up by 90% compared to the same day last year, with sunshine destinations such as Tenerife, Majorca and Sharm El Sheikh taking the top spot. On the Beach reported similar surges in bookings over the festive period.
We would like to raise a toast to the internet which celebrates its 30th birthday this month. Starting off as a military project, the internet has come a long way since its humble beginnings. Who’d have thought it would evolve the way we live today, changing our everyday experiences with the introduction of online shopping, banking, and even revolutionising the ways we book a holiday.
As we approach Hollywood’s award season, the Oscars has introduced an online voting system. Needless to say it hasn’t been without its glitches; just like the making of a blockbuster, the voting required a couple of retakes after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences had to extend the deadline for nominations by 24 hours. Insiders claim that there have been problems with digital security, but before the final credits roll ‘The End’ to this new age voting poll, the Oscars will tally up the ballot on 4 January 2013 and the nominations will be revealed on 10 January 2013.
Is this the beginning of the end for print media? Renowned US current affairs magazine, Newsweek ended its 80-year history in print on 31 December 2012, but before the final curtain call it boldly printed the hashtag "#lastprintissue" on the front cover alongside a vintage picture of New York city. The symbolic use of the hashtag marks Newsweek’s steps into the online world, leaving us all wondering who will be next to follow suit… stay tuned.
And finally, one copper took to Twitter to name and shame drunken revellers on New Year’s Eve. Superintendent James Tozer from Shropshire posted details of village brawls, domestic abuse and even encounters of convicts crying in their cells as part of his Twitter revenge plot. So next time you see the Old Bill make sure you keep a low profile, otherwise you could be reprimanded on social media.
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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Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026