Twitter takes over

After last week’s crash of Flight 17 when Malaysia Airlines turned to Twitter to keep the world informed about the disaster, it would seem growing numbers of airlines are taking to the social media site to keep the general public informed about confusing or chaotic events. Twitter’s central role in airlines’ communications strategies was also illustrated on Tuesday when American Airlines, United Continental and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines all used the platform as part of their efforts to inform the public about the cancellation of flights to Israel because of safety concerns. With more airlines on Twitter today than have their own loyalty programmes, it is becoming increasingly clear that when it comes to direct airline-to-customer communication, Twitter is the best medium.

On Wednesday the Commonwealth games began with a flash of tartan at Celtic Park, Glasgow. The ceremony had everything from spinning tea cakes to a giant kilt. The Queen officially opened the games with The Commonwealth baton, which had travelled for 288-days, spanning 120,000 miles! With over one million spectators expected to descend on the city, accommodation is getting tight. With visitscotland.com releasing figures showing that 90% of all Glasgow’s accommodation was occupied, even before any events had started. With the average room rising 158% they are now encourage people to look outside the city, or to bring a tent as city sites have been set up ready for over 1,000 campers.

Social media site Foursquare has revealed its new logo as it moves into its new personalised era. The famous check-ins, that the site was famous for, will now occur in their new app ‘Swarm’ – all past check-ins, friends and photos will automatically move over to this app. Once you teach the app about you, the new Foursquare will recommend places that match your likes in whatever city you are in. The new logo features a map pin and superhero emblem as according to Foursquare ‘the new app is giving you superpowers to explore the city that you are in’. This app is the perfect travel tool for those searching for something that is suited to them.

Rather than posting the traditional holiday cocktail snap or the tanned knees on the beach picture that litter Instagram and Facebook feeds at this time of year, take some inspiration from National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale. Vitale’s Instagram has attracted over 85,000 followers with her stunning travel pictures, and while her tips are largely for professionals they also offer great advice for the casual photographer looking to raise the bar on Instagram.