As I often relate on this blog.  This is no time for your business to be anything less than amazing in delivering travel experiences.  Cell phones (yes, the majority of travelers are carrying them) are travelers gateway to spreading the word about your business, good or bad.

This chart of the day from early July shows how cell phone users are using their phones to share information online.  The largest year to year growth is in the number of people shooting video with their phone and in those accessing the Internet.

Since over 3/4 of cell phone users are taking pictures with their phone and over 1/3 are shooting video it’s probably a good time to think about how you are providing opportunities for your guests to take pictures and shoot video.  Recording photos and video isn’t new.  Travelers have been carrying cameras and video cameras for decades.

What is new, is that now many cell phone users want to instantly upload their photos from their phone to the Internet.  With 38% of cell phone users now accessing the Internet (a 50% increase over the past year), you can expect the majority of cell phone users to be doing so next year at this time.

How can tourism operators take advantage of the trend toward cell phone media and Internet capabilities:

• provide free wifi *I know you’ve heard this before, but some of you (and you know who you are) are addicted to the revenue you are generating- roaming charges make it super expensive for cell phone users to upload photos and video while traveling out of  their home network area.  Wifi makes it quick and easy for travelers to post their photos to Facebook, Twitter and share with family and friends.
• post signage clearly inviting your guests to take photos and video and use your free wifi to share their location with family and friends.  Give your guests a clear, simple call to action.
• Encourage guests to post photos and video with your tag: Create a tagging meme on Twitter of Flickr and have a contest encouraging your guests to post their photos.  Do the same with your Facebook page and remind your guests that you would love for them to share their photos and video with you!  Then reward them for it!

When you travel, how do you share your media?

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