The online presence of a brand in the tourism sector has become crucial. This is why the figure of the Tourism Social Media Manager is increasingly sought after by companies and travel agencies.
We interviewed Manuela Vitulli, Travel Blogger, Web Copywriter, Storyteller and Social Media Specialist: to date one of the most established experts on the Italian scene.
The story of Manuela Vitulli
Manuela Vitulli was born in Bari. After graduating from the University of Medicine and Surgery, she left for the United States. On her return, she decided to open her travel blog, Pensieri in Viaggio (https://www.pensierinviaggio.it/), unaware of the choice that would change her life.
In 2015 Travelling Thoughts is among the 10 travel blogs nominated for the prestigious title of 'best travel site' at the Macchianera Italian Awards. According to The Corriere della Sera, Pensieri in Viaggio at the end of 2014 ranked first in Italy in the ranking of single-author travel blogs in terms of Facebook engagement.
In 2016 she was nominated by Republic among the 8 most important influencers in Italy.
Author of the book 'My Thailand' which, in September 2016, reached number one among travel literature books on the Kindle Store.
Manuela now works as a web copywriter with national and international websites and publications such as Vanity Fair, Elle, RedBull, Volagratis, The Unit, Skyscanner, Manfrotto, Hostelworld, Jetcost and of course continues to travel the world and tell its story.
Manuela Vitulli's advice
How fundamental do you think the online presence of a brand in the tourism sector is today?
Fundamental. Today, any tourism brand must be online in order to reach an increasingly wide audience (younger people, for example, spend more and more time on social media and read newspapers less and less). It is necessary to keep up with the times and the new media.
How important do you think the brand reputation of tourism companies and travel agencies is?
This is also crucial. Without a good brand reputation it is very difficult to convert one's audience into potential customers. The more the brand reputation grows, the easier it will be to aim for loyalty.
What professional qualities and skills a Tourism Social Media Manager should possess?
Definitely a good knowledge of the sector and the main case histories, but above all creativity and social skills. A good Tourism Social Media Manager must continuously update and discover first-hand all the new tools that social media provide us with (from the stories to the direct). There are people I really admire in this industry because they try to continuously update themselves to benefit the brand they work for.
What would you say to those wishing to enter this profession today?
To be on the ball. It is not enough to study a lot of theory, but you have to put yourself into play in the first person. Getting noticed, discovering the territory, telling its story and analysing what is happening abroad in order to anticipate the trends coming to Italy.
Discover the IET Master in Tourism Social Media Management at https://bit.ly/2m3CukC
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