Launch of interactive, user-generated travel community is celebrated by DTour of a Lifetime competition to send six lucky ‘DTourists’ on amazing adventures.
McLEAN, VA. – DoubleTree by Hilton is redefining the way you plan and share your travels. Today, the full-service hotel brand launched DTour, a first-of-its-kind YouTube channel for the hotel industry created in collaboration with Google that offers travellers a whole new way to plan and share their trips. The website integrates all major social media networks in one place, making it easy for travellers to share memorable moments from their domestic and global adventures– whether it’s a photo snapped on Instagram or video uploaded to other social media channels.
Using a new technology for YouTube created by software developer ThisMoment, DTour was created for travellers eager to ‘take a DTour’ – and keen to share their experiences with like-minded adventure-seekers around the world. In fact, DTour is the first custom-built YouTube brand channel in the hotel industry. Users can also explore other travellers’ favourite photos, videos, tips and stories to get inspired to plan the trips they’ve always wanted to take.
“At DoubleTree by Hilton, we know that memorable trips can be made from the little things, like being greeted by one of our warm, signature chocolate chip cookies after a long day of travel. DTour provides the perfect vehicle to celebrate the little things that make a difference and inspires a whole new way to plan and share travels,” said John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton. “As DoubleTree by Hilton plans to open 60 new properties in 17 countries this year, the launch of DTour comes at a perfect time to celebrate our tremendous global growth and position as one of the fastest-growing brands in the full-service, upscale hotel category.”
The site also features tips, videos and suggestions from some of the most knowledgeable travel experts – the hotel team members themselves. Through a section called “DTour Guides,” DoubleTree by Hilton team members across the globe can share their travel advice and must-see hotspots from a local perspective.
DTour of a Lifetime
To celebrate the launch of DTour, DoubleTree by Hilton is conducting a year-long DTour of a Lifetime competition, a search for six people ready for the adventures of a lifetime. They will serve as brand ambassadors, traveling around the world, experiencing DoubleTree by Hilton hospitality, meeting locals and curating their own travel tips and stories for DTour. Each “DTourist” will embark on a two-week to two-month adventure to one of the six continents where DoubleTree by Hilton properties are located – and their “assignment” is to capture and share the highlights of their journey on the DTour website via blog entries, photos, videos and social media posts.
DTour of a Lifetime is the first custom user-generated competition held on YouTube by a hotel brand.
“We’re all seeking experiences to remember and share, so we’re are excited to give six lucky ‘DTourists’ the trip of a lifetime to share and inspire those little things that make a difference when you travel,” said Greenleaf. “A hallmark of DoubleTree by Hilton is the diversity of our portfolio, as we seek to tailor each property to the needs and demands of its geography and culture. The DTourists will have the opportunity to experience these unique hotels and cultures across the globe and share their own personalised travel experiences in this same spirit of diversity.”
To enter DTour of a Lifetime, competition entrants can visit doubletree.com/dtour and share an audition tape describing a nearby landmark, unique culture or not-to-be-missed travel spot while on holiday or in their hometown. Video submissions must be at least 30 seconds to three minutes in length, and have a description that is no more than 300 words. Twenty-four finalists will be selected by a panel of judges – with the six winners selected by consumer voting on the website.
Each winner will be awarded one of the following travel experiences, featuring stays in several iconic DoubleTree by Hilton properties, including:
- A journey across North America, featuring sunny beaches and big city fun.
- An exciting trek among the cities and cathedrals of Europe.
- An adventure that spans the length of Africa and the Middle East, including South Africa, Seychelles, Tanzania and Dubai.
- An adventure across Australia – a continent that DoubleTree by Hilton is entering this year.
- An excursion through Asia, featuring visits to China, India, Thailand and Malaysia.
- A visit to the tropical beaches and rain forests of Central and South America.
DTour of a Lifetime entries will be accepted until 31 May, 2013. Following this contest, DoubleTree by Hilton will launch a series of bi-monthly competitions coinciding with inspirational themes selected to guide the DTour content and conversations. For these competitions, trips will be awarded to locations including Costa Rica; Washington, D.C.; New York, New York; Miami, FL; and Breckinridge, CO.
DTour and DTour of a Lifetime are the latest in a series of DoubleTree by Hilton promotions that celebrate the company’s ongoing global expansion and its unique culture of CARE (Create a Rewarding Experience). DTour site visitors will also be able to get information on and make reservations at DoubleTree by Hilton’s more than 330 properties on six continents.
