Social Networks Key to Huge Rise in Staycations
Latest Statistics Indicate Online 'Travel' a Major Trend.
- (1888PressRelease) March 11, 2011 - A rising number of internet users spend vacation time at home to explore social networks, discover the world and connect with new friends online. According to a recent survey by the US Travel Association, 'staycations' rose by 47 per cent between 2003 and 2008. An even bigger increase is expected in 2011 due to the effects of the economic downturn, the growing cost of travel and the increasing danger of flight delays and natural disasters.
A report by the Nielsen Company shows time spent on social media worldwide rocketed by 82% in a one year period between 2008-2009. However, as workplaces become increasingly draconian regarding internet usage, with a reported 55% in the workplace unable to access social networks such as Facebook and Twitter, there's increasing pressure on people to spend more online time at home. This has led many to devote part of their vacation to the internet and local-based tourism.
This theory is verified by popular social site www.MeetYourFriends.com, which has found users spending longer online to cultivate friendship and keep in touch with members in other countries. "We've tapped into an extraordinary thirst for making friends online in different parts of the world," says Neil Bryant, business development director of MeetYourFriends.com and a founder member of Badoo.com, "Members easily meet people from overseas without the need for travel. This type of social tourism from the armchair is the major new growth area."
MeetYourFriends.com provides immediate friendship with users all over the world based on the straightforward technology of geographical search, Live Chat and Direct Messages. The popularity of international English and the sophistication of machine translations make real-time chat faster and more direct. The ad-free website allows a user to take a virtual whistle-stop tour round the world and form instant friendships in a host of countries including Brazil, USA, Russia, UK, Germany and Thailand.
Although not quite as mighty as a jet engine, the network is a powerful means of escapism and connects new friends without the danger of holiday horror, mounting expenses and flight delays.
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