Cruiselines, airlines, travel & tourism companies alike are incorporating fun into their efforts to engage and involve their community of fans, friends and followers.  Social media channels are host to many brands looking to captivate would-be travelers with their clever contests, catchy sales and fun discussions.

One phenomenon that I have found especially fun recently, is the way that brands within the travel industry use Facebook to create conversation and build their community. So this #traveltuesday, let’s take a look at a few of the fun threads and conversations happening on the popular social networking sites.

For starters, the fun factor draws us in! Take this recent ‘fill-in-the-blank’ style discussion  that Carnival Cruise started within their Facebook page community.

It felt so fun, that I had to get in on it too, making me one of 117 people to comment on a post also ‘liked’ by 128. Despite the sudden decrease in temperature, I hadn’t thought of booking a cruise today, and now, not only can I see myself on THIS Carnival Cruise specifically, but I want to take my BFF Karla with me (and beat her down that waterslide!).

I never imagined that one day a cruise line (or any brand, really) would create a discussion on Facebook that I would care to jump in on, yet today many people are engaging.  So what makes this engagement successful?

I’ll leave you to think on that for a moment while I toss another one your way. Delta Airlines asked on September 29th:

Nowhere in their question did they ask ‘Are you flying Delta today?’ or beg you for your business. I see no mention of anything outside of a harmless question that successfully enticed 205 people to take the time to answer, never mind the giant number of ‘likes.’

Although Paris Las Vegas asks the question about themselves: “Tell us about the best thing you’ve eaten at Paris Las Vegas,” it is still a fun discussion that’s light on the marketing messaging we’re accustomed to in traditional media.

One does not need to look too long to find examples of brands who are simply attempting to get people talking. What could be the value in generating conversation that has little to nothing to do with your brand? And why would you use your best social media talent to essentially engage in a fancy ‘chat’ with a large audience of unknowns?

At the very least, a travel industry brand is showing their human connection and making friends. But more than this, the responses and interaction lead to a deeper understanding of the variety of experiences and interests that their fans and followers have. Social media channels should be more than just about pushing what you’re selling. If you’re not already expressing genuine interest in your passengers, customers, guests and followers, why not try a little social experiment and see where it takes you?

Do you have a story to share? What is your favorite example of a travel industry brand engaging you in light, fun conversation? Or maybe you’re a brand who wants to shout out about the great things you’re doing. Tell us!

Jenn Seeley dreams of waterslides on cruise ships followed by yummy food and warm beaches. She can be found engaging in #traveltuesdays on Twitter as @jenn_seeley.

Tags: Facebook, Social Media, travel industry