HAMILTON, Bermuda – The Bermuda Department of Tourism is now on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bermudatourism
The Bermuda Tourism Facebook Page will function as the central Community “hub” for Bermuda Tourism’s presence in social media and function as a vital link in the overall digital strategy through increasing awareness, driving potential visitors to BermudaTourism.com and fostering advocacy and word-of-mouth online.
The rationale for Facebook is simple: people are talking about travel and trading vacation planning tips on Facebook. Tourism officials decided to directly target potential Bermuda travelers on a platform already widely in use.
“Social networking websites are on the cutting edge of communication right now and we want our tourism product associated with what’s hot,” said Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, Minister of Tourism and Transport. “This is another way we are strengthening our digital marketing efforts.”
Enhancing Tourism’s digital marketing is a critical component of the Department’s 2009/2010 sales and marketing strategy. The latest internet-related statistics show strong signs of growth in digital marketing. Visits to the BermudaTourism.com website are up 82% for the second quarter of 2009 when compared with the same period in 2008. Page views were up 50% to 2.7 million and the bounce rate was down 49%, meaning fewer consumers are leaving the site after only a brief visit.
The Facebook Page not only encourages open dialogue with fans about Bermuda Tourism on the Wall, it also offers compelling content to sustain the fan base. Unique tabs include a custom accommodations tab which allows users to get a glimpse of the types of accommodations offered on the island. The tab then links to BermudaTourism.com for more information. A RSS/Blog tab displays exclusive Bermuda travel deals & BermudaPR’s latest Twitter updates.
William Griffith, Bermuda’s Director of Tourism, said: “There is truly endless potential when it comes to this kind of marketing. We are looking at new ways to promote marquee tourism events that will be compelling for Facebook and Twitter users.”
