Travel News South Africa

Southern Sun goes face-to-face with social

Now that Southern Sun has embraced social media-site Facebook beyond using it as a fan page, other hotel groups are set to follow.
Southern Sun goes face-to-face with social

Guests can interact with Southern Sun hotels and book their accommodation through the Southern Sun hotels' Facebook page.
Claimed as a first among large hotel chains in Africa, potential guests can check availability and directly reserve rooms via the company's Facebook page - without leaving Facebook.

According to a study that measured the digital competence of 89 travel brands including hotel, airline and cruise companies, web traffic to travel brand sites fell 8% in March 2011 vs March 2010, but during the same period, visits to Facebook pages jumped 20%.

According to Graham Wood, managing director Southern Sun, when making a booking through Facebook before the end of July 2011, there is a chance to win a 2-night getaway at any of the Southern Sun hotel in South Africa. Booking on the social media site saves an immediate 5% off regular rates and Frequent
Guest (Southern Sun's loyalty programme) members receives up to 20% off normal rates. See www.facebook.com/SouthernSunNews, twitter.com/southernsunchat or m.southernsun.com.

About Brian Berkman: contributing editor, travel

Brian Berkman can be contacted on 083-441-8765 or email moc.namkreBnairB@nairB.
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