Travel brands need to make sure the visuals in their marketing are aligned with what travelers — many on Instagram — want today. Sometimes there's a disconnect, according to new data from photo agency Getty Images.
Our readers — perhaps aimlessly clicking on compelling-looking stories from remote hamlets around the globe — have voted these stories up as the Skift most-popular stories of all time. Think of it as the wisdom of the crowds.
Between its traveler, expert and management photos, TripAdvisor now has a depth of photo content that is unparalleled for guests checking to see what the property looks like. That's why TripAdvisor acquired Oyster, for the professional hotel photography, warts and all.
If chains such as Wyndham follow Hilton Worldwide's lead and enable their guests to reserve specific rooms, then photography and video will likely become an even more important part of booking and post-booking decisions.
Trover is a great little photo-sharing community, but it faces the same challenge that just about all startups face -- getting noticed, and in this case, as it labors in Instagram's shadows.
GoPro is leveraging the desire of travelers and others to share every moment of their lives with friends and on social media. It's ironic that with all this sharing, GoPro has decided to share its financials confidentially with the SEC -- for now.
The rise of visual web has been great for travel marketing, which has traditionally been image-driven anyway. Smart companies are doing smart content marketing campaigns, and we show how.
The rise of the visual web means the rise of photo startups, many which are glorified features posing as full-fledged companies. Micro innovations become the flavor of the month, and new startups follow as VC money (mostly early stage angel and seed) keeps pouring in.
It's difficult to determine if a strong Instagram presence really adds up to any significant impact on business or whether those traditional travel companies picking other social media battles are missing out. If anything, well-liked travel brands enjoy another point of contact with current and potential customers.