50,000 and rising

In 1959, Elvis Presley aka 'The King' released an album titled 50,000,000 Elvis Fans Can't Be Wrong, a compilation of hit singles. The rock band Bon Jovi in 2004 followed up with 100,000,000 Bon Jovi Fans Can't Be Wrong, a play on the previous Elvis album. The question is what do these albums have in common with Jetwing Hotels?

In a relatively short time, the family owned company has certainly proven that 50,000 Jetwing Hotels fans can't be wrong: a record indeed, a first for a Sri Lankan resort chain.

Reaching this milestone was achieved through a combination of careful research, planning and dedication with a unique take on the ever growing world of social media.

An extremely powerful tool of reach if used right, networks such as Facebook continue to generate awareness and revenue to almost any business.

It is now accepted that ignoring such trends is adverse and eventually harmful for a company that depends on its customers.

The Facebook page for Jetwing Hotels (www.facebook.com/jetwinghotels) was set up initially to create a platform for two-way communication with visitors from around the world and for those interested in experiencing the renowned Jetwing hospitality for the first time.

At present, the page has become popular for its creative and colourful layout, prompt responses to posts and innovative campaigns.

In addition, the page acts as a valuable feedback measure, with fans regularly querying on exactly what they think: from images of an upcoming property to an experimental dessert, fans are welcome to chip in with their opinions facilitating a customer centric approach which allows loyal fans to be a part of the process.

Currently, Jetwing Hotels features 'Jetwing Puzzle Mania' a Facebook game developed to provide an opportunity for fans to win weekly prizes at the recently re-created Jetwing Lagoon, which has the honour of being Sri Lanka's first resort and architect Bawa's first hotel design. Lovingly restored to reach higher glories than before, the Grand Prize gives one lucky winner a night's stay at the property, in a complimentary suite!

The game is certainly a hit, fans visiting the page up to 30 times a day in order to rack up the highest score.

"We are delighted with this achievement, social media is the new marketing paradigm, as it evolves so will new opportunities and challenges and Jetwing Hotels has now laid the foundation in leveraging the opportunities ahead", Head of Sales & Marketing Ishanth Gunawardene said.

"To take advantage, our team of young, energetic and talented individuals are constantly moving, creating and implementing innovative ideas to further our reach. We certainly are confident that the current 50,000 will definitely keep rising, as Jetwing expands both within Sri Lanka, and internationally" he continued.