I’ve been in the travel industry for 30+ years, and Meta’s new Threads app is an absolute game-changer! 

It’s like a breath of fresh air that has the potential to revitalise the entire travel industry.

But first, very quickly, what is it?

• Threads is a new app, built by Instagram, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations. Yes, it’s like Twitter but different.
• You log in using your Instagram account and posts can be up to 500 characters long and include links, photos, and videos up to 5 minutes in length.

Back to the story,

How will the Threads app be a game-changer for the travel industry?

Here are four incredible ways we see it making a splash for travellers and travel agencies.

1. Enhanced Customer Engagement: With Meta’s Threads app, you’re joining a vibrant community of fellow travellers. Imagine engaging in lively discussions, sharing recommendations, and gathering valuable insights from like-minded people. It’s all about building connections and the app is such a great way to find new clients, more importantly, your kind of clients.

2. User-Generated Content: Get ready to tap into a treasure trove of authentic travel experiences. Meta’s Threads app allows travellers to create and share user-generated content, including comments up to 500 characters plus photos, and videos up to 5 minutes long, now that is awesome! You’ll have access to real stories, genuine recommendations, and REAL visuals to inspire and guide your adventures and advice. Also very cool!

3. Personalised Recommendations: Say goodbye to generic travel advice. Start a conversation on Meta’s Threads app. Travellers can receive personalised recommendations tailored to their unique preferences. It’s like having a travel guru right at your fingertips, curating unforgettable experiences.

4. Collaboration and Co-creation: Let’s amp up the fun factor! Why not use Meta’s Threads app to foster connections? You can collaborate with fellow travellers, co-create travel itineraries, and even coordinate group trips. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded adventurers and elevate your travel experience to a whole new level!  And for travel agents, this is such a great way to collaborate with Suppliers, but that’s a story for another time.

So, travel agents and travellers, are you ready to embrace this exciting revolution in travel?

The Threads app is still very new but we can already see that your journeys will be infused with community, authenticity, personalisation, and unforgettable collaborations. Why not unlock a whole new world of travel possibilities together?

More info: Introducing Threads: A New Way to Share with Text.

Here are two ‘Meta’s Threads’ videos you may find useful for your Travel Business.

1. Travel Agents: What You Need to Know About THREADS by Cyndi Williams CEO Wanderlust and Careers on Vacation

2. Threads App | Should You Use It For Your Travel Business?

And if you haven’t yet joined us inside the Specialist Travel Training Directory, head to the home page and click on the ‘Request Industry Access’ button. It’s FREE and offers industry training programs, webinars, memberships, discounts, and more. Open only to travel and tourism students and professionals.

Author: Sonja Leicester, The Travel Trainer, 10 July 2023