Extensive use of social media over the last year has landed luxury operator Tropical Sky with recognition by Facebook.
Facebook hails Tropical Sky as a ‘business hero’
Extensive use of social media over the last year has landed luxury operator Tropical Sky with recognition by Facebook.
The independent holiday specialist has been named as a ‘business hero’ by Facebook after its fan base on the social network grew to more than 24,500.
Facebook applauded the East Grinstead-based family-run business, in particular for its proactive approach to web page ‘takeovers’, seven days dedicated to blogging and actively generating valuable discussion about holiday destinations.
Tropical Sky was also applauded for:
• Helpful and straight-talking discussion forums
• Direct messaging and individual email feedback with Facebook users
• Positive use of critical feedback to tailor its holiday products
• Engaging polls and customer surveys
• Ability to create trust through expert and objective destination advice
• Fast and effective responses to customer enquiries
The company will be officially recognised at a Facebook for Business event at the London Chamber of Commerce on June 28.
The events form part of Facebook’s official UK roadshow, highlighting a number of small- to medium-sized businesses who are successfully increasing online engagement with their customers.
Tropical Sky online marketing executive Justin Mewse said: “In October 2011, we had reached 10,000 fans and by March 2012, we had more than doubled that figure to 21,500. The number of Facebook referrals to our sites also went up by some 500%.
“Facebook is at the very centre of our social strategy, enabling us to build brand awareness via quality engagement. We are all looking forward to building on this success with even more articles, YouTube videos, destination photo albums, blog posts, holiday deals and incentives.”
Managing director Mike Collins said: “Last year, we took the decision to invest a lot of time and resources in increasing the online interaction we have with our customers through social media. In today’s society, most customers do not want to just see small images and bland descriptions in old-fashioned brochures.
“Social media gives us a way to bring to life, and discuss with our customers, the fantastic portfolio of hotels, resorts, escorted tours and city destinations that our talented teams have selected and negotiated the very best deals for.”
He added: “We always knew that devoting time to engaging with our customers online would be well received, but we are delighted by just how positive the reaction has been. Creating an online community of followers has generated an extra sense of value among our customers who clearly appreciate the honest discussions that we host.
“It has also helped us to advance the Tropical Sky story; engaging with our customers in new ways and deepening the relationships that we build with them. We tailor-make experiences for every customer we deal with and Facebook has helped us enhance that offering.”
