Opatija vs. Tarragona's social media aproach

As professor Költringer stated during lecture, the number of consumers utilizing the web as a tool to perfect their traveling experience are gradually increasing. Because 6 out of 10 leisure travelers obtain information through the web(Lecture, unit 4), there is a continuous competition within the online services. Services such as Couchsurfing to hostels to travel sites have implemented and approached various methods to grabbing their customers and keeping them.

One example is integrating social media and using that tool to give viewers different perspectives of their product. From the logo to its inviting homepage, Opatija approaches its media by providing a video for a virtual experience and links to Facebook and Twitter to get the feel for the community of Opatija. The two social network play a large role in the Internet world and the "The Conversation" web displayed from lecture. There are many functions and tools in the social web but Facebook and Twitter is most prevalent and utilized by both creators and viewers.

One factor the site is missing were the star ratings and "free of marketing bias" reviews of hotels, guides, and the location itself. The importance of those approaches create a substantial relationship between the giver and the receiver because it involves making big decisions for accommodation, travel guides, where to eat, etc. The information the site provides versus the viewer is a source of communication. The different functions and tools, such as Facebook and Twitter, in the web allows the communication to support and guide the decision maker. The site lacks other important factors such as a forum for FAQs, downloadable guides, and webcam. Not having such factors give a higher possibility of driving customers away.
Tarragona's Point of View
Tarragona, on the other hand, provides so much more sources than Opatija. They have taken the eWOM approach in order to generate a reputation for their site by inserting a link to pass information to friends.

The advantage of having this link is attracting and getting new customers. In addition to their link, they've provided external sources such as Tripadvisor and Trivago to give viewers unbiased opinions on the services. The only things that seemed to be missing were a forum for FAQs and a search engine. As far as integrating social media, the site meets my expectations and standards. Unfortunately they don't have a Facebook or a Twitter link provided on their homepage but all the other links such as Tripadvisor, Trivago, free downloadable audio guide, the mobile guide, and the video of Tarragona make up for it.

The mobile download can be accessed by many different phone brands and companies. I find this as a crucial part of the site, mainly to engage and converge travelers.With all the services the site provides, the travelers' perception of the chosen destination is altered from uncertainty and satisfaction. Therefore, the amount of social media integrated by services in the tourism and travel industries is important for both givers and receivers.