Here's how you can connect with industry influencers in the travel and tourism field.

To connect with industry influencers in travel and tourism, first identify key influencers. Look for people with big followings who post important content and are active on social media and forums. Follow their blogs, sign up for their newsletters, and interact with their posts by commenting and sharing your thoughts. Attend industry events, webinars, and conferences where they might be present. Reach out with personalized messages that show you appreciate their work and want to collaborate or learn from them. Building genuine relationships with these influencers can lead to valuable opportunities.

There are two things to remember. 1. The first is to be selective. It is a bit like gardening. Not everyone who calls themself an influencer is an influencer. You need to weed out the ‘look at me’ self publicists who are promoting the ‘I am living the dream on someone else’s expense account’ and cultivate the influencers that can enhance the value of your product or service. 2. Go for quality not quantity. It is better to be associated with a small number of influencers that you can get to know well and trust than to have a big crowd of hangers on that will take more than they give.

> Research travel bloggers, YouTubers, and social media personalities aligned with your niche (luxury travel, budget backpacking). > Actively engage with their content, leaving thoughtful comments and questions. > Don't just ask for promotions. > Share industry insights or offer complimentary experiences relevant to their audience. Build genuine connections. > Propose mutually beneficial partnerships. This could be hosting them for a sponsored stay or co-creating engaging content that showcases your brand and their travel style.

Once you find the influencers, you want to have in your circle, it’s time to start making yourself visible. You become visible when you are genuinely interested in what they’re teaching. You show this genuine interest by sharing their posts with your audience. Entering into conversation, whether you agree or disagree is a great way to become more seen and heard in every form of social media, regardless of the purpose . Agreeing with everything someone says is not realistic or authentic. Be honest. Be yourself. if you can bring a different point of view to the table, then kudos to you. It’s likely that the influencer will notice you and may bless you with attention. It is a win for everyone.

When you attend networking events, whether online or in person, it's important to connect with people on LinkedIn and through any other methods you prefer. It's not just connecting in that moment, but building long-term trust and relationships.