Impact of Social Media on Hospitality Industry

Impact of Social Media on the Hotel IndustryPrepared by: Asma Naz

Social media or online media plays a big role on marketing and promoting a business. It has a big influence on online consumers

There are so many industries use social media to promote their business, especially in the hospitality and tourism industry. Social media has a huge impact on hotel business.Mostly hotels have their own websites or they use other web links for marketing and selling their business. There are many ways that social media directly or indirectly affect the hotel industry, for example in advertising, marketing, selling and easy access to reach guests or clients.

The ways social media affect on the lodging industry

1.Marketing and advertisingSocial media has become a large platform to promote any business, and especially having a positive effect on the hospitality industry. Facebook, Twitter, TripAdvisor and many other social network sites play a big role in advertising hotels and their product.2.More clients and customersHotels have more opportunities to reach new customers and develop more trust with regular clients through good reputation about hotels after internet users read positive reviews, comments and blogs on social media and web links.3.More direct bookingDirect booking of hotels through their websites and other links is easier and faster because social media create direct accessibility. This process gives many options for customers to choose the best location, see rates and compare services provided by hotels.

Online marketing for the Hotel IndustryAccording to Kit Smith in his article published in Brand watch on the online blog site, Social Media for Hotels: Online marketing for the Hotel Industry, The hotel industry has had to adapt to a number of changes brought about by social media in recent years, which have seen a shift in power from brand to consumer (Smith).

Social Media and the Hospitality IndustryOver the past few years, social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized not only how people interact with each other but also how businesses interact with consumers. Hotels and companies within the hospitality industry must have a keen understanding of how to deliver their messages via social media websites if they are to compete in today's business environment. (Time)

My own experience on online booking

I have traveled to several countries and arranged my trips myself through different websites. I cannot believe how it has become easier to find a hotel in a place I have never been to before even though I do not know much about location and attractions. Dolphin Resort at Disney, Florida.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_phHnQOIlo

Huge Influence on travel bookingLinkedIn Learning Classes. www.visualistan.com.

How this video impacted on my social network and promoted a hotel I stayed

Thank you Educating the mind without educating a heart is no education at all. Aristotle