Best of Social Media 2019

We present our annual challenge for the Awfully Entertaining Social Media (Awesome) award. In 2015, it was Iceland with its Ask Gudmundur campaign, while in 2016 it was Visit Finland (Polar Night Magic). In 2017, it was The Faroe Islands Translate Project. In 2018, social media (if not football) came home and Historic Royal Palaces won the award for its innovative #BoleynisBack campaign at the Tower of London. What has 2019 brought and who will the judges choose to crown this year?

Our finalists are:

Instafriendly Maps of Uist, Scotland

Two maps were developed this summer for North and South Uist, islands in the Outer Hebrides off Scotland’s West Coast. Not only proper maps in waterproof fabric, but Instafriendly maps that highlight 20 of the islands’ beauty spots and stories. A joint venture between Outer Hebrides Tourism and Scottish island ferry operator, Calmac

Andrew Macnair, Head of Marketing, CalMac Ferries via Clarion Comms

Pure Sounds of Michigan

A music-based campaign to capture a dawn to dusk record of nature in this Great Lakes state, and set to music composed by 10 of Michigan’s musicians. The ambient soundscape tracks are available on Spotify, Apple, Google, Soundcloud and marks 100 years of the state’s national parks.

Kelly Wolgamott, Director of Travel Marketing, Michigan State Tourism

Fill Your Heart with Ireland

A cute idea to send a Swedish couple who were first time visitors to the island of Ireland linked up to a camera and heart monitor - and see which places or activities got the heart pumping most - with those shots then included in the advertising. A big project from Tourism Ireland.

Mark Henry, Central Marketing Director, Tourism Ireland

Portugal Says #Brelcome to British Visitors

With Britain the biggest market for tourism in Portugal, the country has moved fast to counter Brexit challenges. Videos and social media reached 6m Britons this year, emphasising the two countries’ ties and history and emotionally encouraging visits, while also putting in practical measures like dedicated fast track lines in the Algarve and Madeira airports.

Antonio Padeira, UK & Ireland, Director of Portugal Tourism

Tourism New Zealand - #GetNZOnTheMap

New Zealand drafted in prime minister Jacinda Ardern, pop star Ed Sheeran and comedian Rhys Darby in a tongue-in-cheek campaign looking at why the country was consistently omitted from maps.

Ellen Drower, PR Manager UK & Europe, Tourism New Zealand

Carole Tredrea, PR Manager, Europe, Tourism New Zealand