Hospitality News December 2021
TikTok TikTok TikTokĀ šŸ•’
TikTok is a must social media marketing tool for the travel industry.

If there is one winning strategy to get you craving a vacation, it is influencer videos on TikTok. Anyone who has spent some time on social networks to explore the #travel hashtag will likely find themselves in the throes of vacation fever and immediately start looking for flight deals and hotel accommodations.

This ability to trigger our greatest travel desires is something the vacation industry canā€™t afford to overlook.Ā  Especially now that revenge travel is trending and trips to local attractions have become en vogue, TikTokā€™s algorithm is precious in driving a high return on investment (ROI) when combining it with the strength of influencer marketing.

Letā€™s take a closer look at how brands can best collaborate with TikTok influencers for marketing purposes.

How TikTok helps you make the most out of current travel trends

For several reasons, TikTok is a convenient social media marketing tool for the travel industry. First of all, video continues to be king: Online video consumption jumped toĀ four hours per day in 2020, and peopleā€™s content engagement rates are much higher with videos than with static posts. Furthermore, users with more than 1000 followers are now increasingly live streaming their videos as this tool allows them to attract even more engagement.

TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms, with more than 1 billion monthly active users worldwide. According toĀ Wallaroomedia,Ā 60% of those users are Gen Z, between 16 and 24-years-old. This generation is increasingly interested in sustainable and conscious traveling, and TikTok content is ranking high in their social media preference list. In fact, most users love to express theirĀ political attitudesĀ on the platformā ā€”which helps those hotel brands who want to leverage that power.

On top of all of this, TikTokā€™s algorithm helps leverage local popularity. It geofences areas, so nearby videos will be shown to users first. Then, if they receive engagement (views, likes, and shares), they are spread over the platform until they reach a global audience. This is a very beneficial tool for the hospitality industry as great content can attract people who are both nearby and far away. This is very beneficial at times, whereĀ local travelingĀ has moved to the top of the list.Ā According to a whisper, a new feature will soon put an even larger focus on nearby content. TikTok will possibly add a selection filter on its “For You” page, which will enable users to only view videos in the local region and might have the potential for influencers to become the voice of their area (and economy).

How to drive your popularity through influencer collabs

The numbers donā€™t lie:Ā Sixty-six percent of consumers aged 18-29Ā trust influencer recommendations, and influencer exposure leads toĀ social conformity effects. People follow influencers because they like their content and style and identify with their personalities, habits, and values. This triggers TikTokersā€™ desire to align their preferences and choices with those of their favorite creators. Influencers have their followership and social network, which also helps you reach a broad audience. Especially if you spread your influencer portfolio across several micro-influencers, you have the chance to reach several different groups of people, including both travel enthusiasts and more reluctant travelers.

Influencers can take on the task of promoting your offerings to their already engaged and loyal followers. Check what creators usually post by browsing through some examples:Ā RiotravelersĀ have many collaboration posts, including tips on top hotels in several destinations. In one video, the travel influencer Rosssmith reached more than six hundred thousand views showing off theĀ coolest hotel in Greece. As there are no limits to the content that works with influencer marketing, you can offer them to test your products, invite them to your facilities, or let them create a challenge mentioning your brand in the rules. Lastly, you can choose influencers that live stream and let them share promo codes during those sessions.

How to find the perfect influencer match

To use the full potential of influencers, you need toĀ find and hire influencersĀ that are an authentic fit for you. One way of doing this would be going onto the platform and using the discovery function. Still, the easiest way is to use influencer platforms that let you filter by industry, desired platform, and follower base. There areĀ calculatorsĀ that also indicate an estimated price you will pay for each collaboration. Here, itā€™s essential not to let yourself get blinded entirely by follower numbers. Thanks to the algorithm, even TikTokers with only a few followers can have high viewing and engagement scores. Therefore, it is better to click through the average views of their posts to get a feel for their popularity.

After identifying which influencers cater to your audience, you can check whether their style, language and branded content will play into your brandsā€™ strategy. It is vital to have a good match between your brand and your influencerā€™s promoted values, as authenticity is key to social proof.

Letā€™s say your hotel offers eco-friendly tours. When looking for the right content creator, make sure they have promoted an environmental-conscious lifestyle in the past and can talk about those topics with high authority. If so, you can ensure that their audience is interested in hearing what the TikTok influencer says about your tour and learning more about your services.

Leave the creative work to the influencer

An analysis of the best-ranking videos with the hashtag #travel shows that the most-viewed influencer videos focus on offeringĀ desirable destinationsĀ and things to do there or giving educational tips, such as ā€œWhat to packā€. Brands can hire influencers to create trends, which will help them reach even larger, new audiences. An example of such a trend could be a collaboration that asks TikTokers to show off their favorite vacation souvenirs, cook the best local recipe together, or start a hiking challenge.

At the center of TikTokā€™s engagement rationale lies creativity. And thatā€™s exactly why influencers are so valuable because they know exactly what content to share to keep their engagement rates high and their audience engaged. They know how to use edits, trending music, and other creative elements. So the key is to trust influencers and leave the artistic work to the creator rather than limiting them to your imagination.

Itā€™s high time not just to be an observer of current trends but to create social movements that help regain pre-pandemic strength. Luckily, with a game-changer like influencer marketing, youā€™re closer than ever to get to the top of the curve.

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Travel items fit for 007

Some of them are just too fun to miss, others add extra convenience to our experiences, yet others open up new realms in the world of technology. Youā€™ve guessed it: weā€™re talking about travel gadgets!

These smart tools that have forever changed the way we experience the world are life-savers for todayā€™s travelers.Ā They solve some of the most annoying travel problems, keep our stuff organized on the go, and make theĀ best travel giftsĀ for nomads on the go.

Here are 27 cool travel gadgets ready to make your trips safer, easier, or simply more enjoyable.

Worldā€™s Smallest Travel Steam Iron
Smallest travel steam iron

Featuring a 420-watt motor and three fabric heating levels, this mini travel steam iron isĀ the smallest of its kind in the world. The compact device is about the size of a computer mouse and can be extremely useful for business travelers who are on the road and need to remove the inevitable wrinkles from packed clothing.

Smart Carry-On Suitcase
Smart carry-on luggage

Finding theĀ best carry-on luggageĀ for your next vacation depends on a number of factors, including your personal style, design preferences, and needs. For those who want to look and feel like James Bond, Samsara is for you!

Made of lightweight aluminum alloy, thisĀ futurist carry-onĀ is sleek, compact, and loaded with tech features. A built-in LED light illuminates when the bag is opened in dim light, the flat top allows you to use it as a portable working surface while traveling, and its removable power bank with a USB-C connection can power a mobile device up to 10 times. On top of that, the suitcase is fireproof, recyclable, and comes with a smart tracking app that lets you know its location at all times, and when and where the bag is opened in your absence.

OCLU Action Camera
OCLU Action Camera

The sleek, aerodynamic design along with its innovative software, state-of-the-art processors, and a myriad of accessories to choose from make OCLU the perfect travel companion for the adventure inclined.

Aside from delivering high-quality photos and videos in any situation (films in 4k at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps), theĀ award-winning 4K action cameraĀ is IPX7 water-resistant and comes with GPS functionality, electronic image stabilization, and a standard tripod screw, which makes it universally compatible. Another cool feature is LiveCut, a unique editing function that lets you delete unwanted content on the fly.

Pocket-Size Washing Machine
Portable washing machine

Whether you are backpacking through Europe, going on an African safari, or traveling on a budget in South Asia, you are going to love theĀ Scrubba Wash Bag. Equipped with a flexible washboard, this lightweight, pocket-size wash bag will not only help you do your laundry anywhere on the road but also save you money and time.

With only 2-4 liters of water and a bit of washing liquid, youā€™ll have your clothes fresh and clean in less than 3 minutes. So yeah, we think itā€™s pretty safe to say itā€™s one of the best travel gadgets for campers, backpackers, and anyone venturing off the beaten path.

Sandless Beach Mat
Sandless beach mat
Ā© CGear Sandfree Limited

Calling all beach lovers! TheĀ C-Gear Original Sand-Free MatĀ is a revolutionary beach accessory thatā€™s literally impossible to cover with sand. Initially intended for military uses, this clever sand-free ground sheet is perfect for a fun and stress-free beach outing. Finally, no more annoyingly sticky sand! Now you can make the most of your seaside experience while lounging in the warm sunshine, reading a book, or spreading out a picnic.Ā Use the code TRAVELAWAY10 at checkout and you will get a 10% discount.

Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot & Power Bank
Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

WithĀ Skyroam Solis, you donā€™t have to worry about foreign SIM cards or roaming charges when traveling the world.

One of the best mobile Wi-Fi hotspots on the market, this ingenious connectivity gadget offers unlimited 4G LTE service in over 130 countries around the globe. Each device can support up to 5 connections and also works as a portable charger for your phone or tablet while on the move, thanks to its integrated 6000 mAh power bank. A day pass is $9 and gives you unlimited internet access for 24 hours.

Best Travel Drone
Best travel drone

With its new 4K Hasselblad camera, intuitive smartphone control, and a staggering 31 minutes of flying time,Ā DJIā€™s upgraded Mavic Pro 2Ā is no doubt one of the best travel drones out there. The compact, foldable device is packed with intelligent features and can fly as far as 4.3 miles away, allowing you to capture the beauty of your surroundings in flawless HD video at 4K/30fps or 1080p/120fps, as well as photographs in 20MP RAW or JPG format.

Perfect for travelers always eager to immortalize and share their adventures on the go, this sleek & silent high-tech flying camera comes with GPS, 10 optical sensors that help it avoid obstacles, as well as copious flight modes, including tripod and selfie settings.

Convertible Backpack
Cool backpack by Aer

Who says a backpack has to be bulky and boring? Crafted from 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, theĀ Aer Flight Pack 2Ā is as durable as it is practical, not to mention slim, compact, and carry-on approved.

Created with traveling professionals in mind, thisĀ carry-on backpackĀ sports a smart, versatile design that allows you to switch it from backpack to shoulder bag to briefcase in seconds. Whether used as a daypack or flight companion, this rugged & refined convertible bag has room for all your work and tech essentials and keeps them organized with a multitude of pockets and compartments.

3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal
3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal

A gimbal is one of the best smartphone accessories you can take along on a trip, and this 3-axis handheld stabilizer from Funsnap does its job exemplary. Designed to reduce shaking when shooting moving footage,Ā Capture 2Ā takes your vacation photos and videos to the next level with features like auto face tracking, an intelligent zooming wheel, and a variety of time-lapse modes (slow-motion, motion lapse, and hyper-lapse).

The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, which, along with the gimbalā€™s portability and ease of use, makes it a game-changing travel gadget for vloggers and YouTubers who spend a lot of time shooting. Capture 2 is powered by a 4000mAh built-in battery that promises to run for 12 hours in a row, and also supports action cameras like GoPro.

goTenna Mesh
goTenna Mesh

Designed to keep Android or iOS devices connected even when there is no cellular service,Ā goTenna MeshĀ lets adventurers communicate while off the grid. Made of rugged materials, this slick, pocket-sized device uses Bluetooth-LE to pair with a smartphone, enabling users to share messages and location info instantly within a range of up to 4 miles in open areas.

Compared to the original goTenna, this new and improved backcountry communications tool comes with revolutionary mesh networking technology that allows private 1:1 and group chats or public broadcast messages through other devices to extend beyond the point-to-point range.

Smallest Automated Travel Vacuum
Portable luggage compressor

Small, smart, and stylish,Ā VAGOĀ is the ultimate travel packing gadget. Equipped with a pressure detecting sensor, this automatic vacuum pump removes all the air inside your suitcase, condensing the clothes to half their size, thus leaving plenty of room for souvenirs and other things you may buy on your trip.

Itā€™s an essential travel tool, especially if youā€™re adding a bit of shopping to your trip, or traveling somewhere cold and need to bring along some heavy winter wear.

Water Purifier Bottle

Water purification and filtration system

Most of the travelersā€™ health problems are caused by contaminated drinking water, which means a water purification system is a must when traveling abroad. This is especially useful when venturing into remote locations with harsh environmental conditions or destinations such as the Middle East, Central America, Asia, or Africa, which are also known for their unsafe tap water. Fortunately, these days there are many products designed to help in such circumstances.

GRAYLā€™s Ultralight Purifier, for instance, is a state-of-the-art device capable of transforming almost any tap or clear natural water source into pure drinking water in just 15 seconds. Perfect for travelers and outdoor adventurers, each bottle comes equipped with a replaceable purifier cartridge, providing protection against viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, as well as many chemicals. This is an excellent way to get safe drinking water on the go, while at the same time, saving money on bottled water.

Ultraportable Bluetooth Speaker
Portable Bluetooth speaker

Allowing people to listen to music anytime, anywhere, a portable speaker is a must-have for any traveler who wants to make the most of the outdoors without compromising on any of the luxuries of the indoors. At only 14 x 8 x 2.8cm,Ā Bang & Olufsenā€™s Beoplay P2Ā is one of the smallest on the market, but donā€™t let its minuscule size fool you, as sound quality is nothing short of grand.

Smart features such as gesture or voice controls, along with a sleek, minimalist design thatā€™s also dust and splash resistant, plus up to 10 hours of playtime per charge make this easy-to-use portable Bluetooth speaker a reliable travel companion.

Best Tree Tent
Best tree tent

Experience the wilderness like a pro with theĀ Tentsile Connect Tree Tent, a dangling two-person shelter combining the comfort and versatility of a hammock with the security of a tent. Designed for the ultimate arboreal camping experience, this awesome piece of travel gear comes with fold-away doors and a removable rain fly, and can also be attached to other Connects to create one suspended super-camp.

The unique design and sturdy, high-quality materials make this portable treehouse ideal for year-round outdoor adventures.

Sā€™well Teakwood Water Bottle
Teakwood Water Bottle

A practical and fashionable travel accessory, theĀ Sā€™well Teakwood Water BottleĀ makes hydration on the go simple and stylish. Made of BPA-free stainless steel, the sleek, innovative device combines a double-walled, vacuum-sealed design with a handsome matte finish that resembles the look and feel of natural teak, being able to keep drinks cold for 24 hours, or hot for 12 hours. Its wide mouth is a smart touch too, allowing for easy filling, cleaning, and adding ice.

The bottle is unbreakable, toxin-free, and perfectly sized for all your travel plans, be it an outdoor music festival, a hike up the mountains, or that sightseeing city trip youā€™ve always dreamed about.

Flask Light
Flask flashlight

Part flashlight, part booze container, this unique multifunctional tool is one of the best travel accessories for glamping enthusiasts, festival goers, fishing aficionados, and anyone in between.

In addition to holding 10 ounces of your favorite beverage, theĀ VSSL FlaskĀ includes 2 collapsible stainless steel shot cups, a bottle opener, a compass, and a powerful LED flood beam flashlight. If you ask me, Iā€™m pretty sure this would also make an inspired Christmas or birthday present for the outdoor adventurer in your life.

Video Recording Sunglasses
Sunglasses with camera

Snapchatā€™s fans will fall in love with the companyā€™s second generation of video recording glasses. Just like their first product,Ā Spectacles V2 is not just cool and good-looking, but it actually protects your eyes from the sun, too. Its main function, however, is to record snaps of your day and sync them to your Snapchat Memories, which makes it a fun travel accessory, whether youā€™re playing tourist in your own city or heading overseas.Ā Ā The new camera-enabled eyewear is slimmer, classier, and lets users take photos, in addition to 10-second video clips. Both photos and videos are now in high definition, and you can also record a few feet underwater. Download speeds are three to four times faster, colors are more down-to-earth (onyx black, ruby red, and sapphire blue), and audio quality has been improved thanks to a second microphone. The glassesā€™ bright yellow case, which doubles as a portable battery charger, is now less bulky and splash-proof.

Hi-Tech Foot Warmers
Foot Warmers

Known for making winter activities as comfortable and enjoyable as a day at the beach, foot warmers are some of theĀ cold-weather accessoriesĀ money can buy.

On your next adventure in snow, frost, and freezing temperatures let the innovativeĀ ThermaCELL Heated InsolesĀ take your feetā€™ comfort to the next level. Equipped with state-of-the-art thermal technology, these remote-controlled foot warmers will keep your feet warm and dry thanks to a thermostat-driven control system and a water-resistant fabric liner which protects them from moisture.

Travel is not always glamorous, especially when seeking to experience the world on a budget. Unsanitary hostel bathrooms, camping sites with poor facilities, and dirty public toilets are just some of the problems travelers have to deal with while abroad.

Wine Bag
Wine Coat

Designed by Jakob Wagner, theĀ Menu Baggy WinecoatĀ is a stylish and practical wine bag ideal for picnics, romantic beach dinners, and other alfresco occasions that require meals away from home.

Despite being easily portable, this hard-wearing, adjustable wine tote is quite fancy, and if you want your wine chilled on the go, thereā€™s also room for an ice pack. This could make theĀ perfect gift for wine lovers, too.

Best Multisport GPS Watch
Multisport GPS Watch

Combine style and adventure with the newĀ Garmin Fenix 5, one of the best multisport outdoor watches on the market.

Complete with a wide range of tracking capabilities, plus built-in GPS and smart notifications, this versatile, lightweight device has you covered whether youā€™re skiing in the Alps, swimming in the Med, or hiking off the beaten path in Nepal. Available in multiple models, with a selection of QuickFit interchangeable bands (in premium leather, metal, or silicone) to choose from.

Personalized Sand Imprint Flip Flops
Follow me bring beer flip flops

Leave your thoughts in the sand with these fun, original, and affordable flip flops byĀ FlipSidez. All you have to do is choose your size and color, add a creative text or symbol, and wait for your made-to-order flip flops to be delivered. You can wear them as aĀ cool beach accessoryĀ that will cheer up your friends, give them as a personalized gift, or use them to express your individuality and send messages.

Credit Card Folding Utility Knife
Credit Card Folding Knife

With its sleek design and surgical blade technology with an extra-long 65mm cutting edge,Ā Cardsharp2Ā is indeed an excellent travel gadget. Ideal for explorers, adventurers, and any well-prepared traveler out there, this stylish 13-gram credit card folding knife is constructed from ultralight polypropylene, making for a sophisticated cooking knife, but also an extremely useful survivor tool when hiking or camping in the woods.

Solar-Powered Inflatable Light
Solar Powered Light

If youā€™re looking for a smart and sustainable source of light for your next adventure, look no further thanĀ LuminAID. After 6-7 hours of charging in the sun, this innovative inflatable lamp produces up to 16 hours of LED light. Not to mention itā€™s portable, waterproof, and weighs around 56 grams.

Ostrich Pillow
Ostrich Pillow

Ostrich PillowĀ is an extremely useful accessory for when youā€™re on the go and just need a quick nap to refresh and increase productivity.

Envisioned by Kawamura-Ganjavian architecture and design studio, this groundbreaking product prevents jet lag (a common problem for long-distance travelers) by providing you with a micro sleeping environment. Although it might seem a little weird, its design is fun and intuitive, featuring polystyrene filling and a soft interior that allows you to sleep anytime, anywhere without being distracted by noise, light, and other things going on around you.

Iron Man Charger
Iron Man Charger

A unique Marvel-inspired gadget, theĀ Iron Man Mark V Armor Suitcase Mobile Fuel CellĀ comes equipped with an outstanding 12,000 mAh battery capacity, helping you power your mobile devices on the go. The charger is compatible with most smartphones and any other USB-compatible gear, and its two USB ports allow you to charge two devices simultaneously.

Bound to thrill any Iron Man fan, this cool gizmo is actually a 1/4 scale replica of the original suitcase that brings to life Tony Starkā€™s armor in Iron Man 2ā€™s Grand Prix de Monaco race track scene.

Smartphone Breathalyzer
Smartphone Breathalyzer

Compatible with iPhone and Android devices, theĀ BACtrack Vio Smartphone Keychain BreathalyzerĀ is a fun and affordable way to estimate your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). The gizmo is shaped like a USB flash drive and connects to your smartphone via the free BACtrack app. Be aware though, this breathalyzer doesnā€™t have a professional-grade sensor integrated, so donā€™t use it to judge whether or not you are sober enough to drive.

Source: Travelaway

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