Tag colleagues in memes, watch funny videos, comment on your friend’s holiday pics, catch up on the latest news and now Facebook users can scroll through ‘City Guides’.
The social networking platform continues to diversify its product and the latest move sees the e-giant take on the ever-so-popular travel industry, but more particularly TripAdvisor.
‘City Guides’ was added to the Facebook app in the US this month to give holidaymakers a new avenue for researching and even booking their holidays, Skift reported.
As you’d expect from a feature called ‘City Guides’, Facebook offers destination information for interested parties along with the ability to book accommodation at select hotels and contact the hotelier via messaging. There’s also the option to secure restaurant reservations and scroll through various tours and activities.
Image: Facebook
Sound a little like TripAdvisor? Or maybe a Travel Agent?
The thing that apparently sets the Facebook feature apart from potential online competitors such as TripAdvisor and Google Trips, is that Facebook keeps ‘friends’ activities in mind when suggesting certain travel options to users.
Like for example, if your friend recently visited a Mexican restaurant in Los Angeles then the app might suggest you do the same. Or if you recently stayed at a Hilton on the Gold Coast, then Facebook might prompt your friend researching the Gold Coast to also stay at the property.
A Facebook spokesperson told Skift that currently tests are being done to centralise and personalise information already accessible on Facebook.
“This new feature can help people get a better sense of their city, or a city they’re visiting through their friends’ eyes,” the spokesperson explained.