Feature: The social travel category is bubbling over with start-ups tripping over each other to launch, big-name acquisitions underway and tens of millions of dollars in venture capital (VC) funds pouring in.

A Wedbush Securities report says that VC funding of social media companies rose 350 percent to $2.23 billion in Q2 2011, as compared to the same quarter last year. Social travel companies took $94.5 million from VC funds in the Q2 2011, up from $2 million in this year’s first quarter.

Social media VC funding

A PhoCusWright report on social media in travel says that Facebook referred more than 15.2 million visitors to hotel websites in 2010, a 35 percent increase from 2009 and a 428 percent jump from 2008.

TripAdvisor acquires Where I’ve Been (terms undisclosed) – TripAdvisor
When a couchsurfing startup (Tripping.com) gets a million in funding  – Forbes
Social media venture funding soars 350 percent year-on-year in Q2 2011 – Wedbush Securities (pdf)
Facebook referrals fly high, as social travel category expands – PhoCusWright
Social network marketing for vacation rental industry - OnFast
Interactive platform combines wine tourism and social media - GoVine.com
LivingSocial Adventures launches in 30 markets – LivingSocial.com (pr)

Here’s the rest of the week’s interesting news:

Delta, American frequent fliers to take part in trusted traveler pilot program – TSA
Figures show thousands of security breaches at U.S. airports - CNN

Carmageddon takes down LAX website - LA Times
LAPD seeks help on Twitter for carmageddon shutdown - IB Times

Chicago using Foursquare to spread Transformers tourism - NBC Chicago
U.S. plans to unveil travel marketing campaign this fall - Travel Weekly

Meet America’s king of airline fees - AP
Ryanair axes £9 London flight over £12 tax - Evening Times

FAA, air traffic controllers agree on sleep - Washington Post
FAA authorizes global satellite network for oceanic air traffic control –  Iridium.com

Ask a Nomad iPad app offers new experience – World Nomads
How to be a professional hobo - bellinghamherald.com

Russian OTA secures $13.6 million in funding – Ostrovok (pr)
Local.com acquires Screamin’ Daily Deals for $12.5 million – Local.com

Hotel acquisitions will rise 28 percent to $34.8 billion in 2011 - Bloomberg
Hyatt to acquire 24 hotels from LodgeWorks for $802 million in cash – Hyatt.com

Study: Business Travel a catalyst for economic performance – WTTC (pdf)
Study: Business Travel Index indicates long-term momentum- GBTA (membership required)

Photo – Wedbush Securities

Related posts:
Social Media Strategies for Travel – Part I (The Big Picture)
New Media Generates Over 100,000 Hotel Bookings in 2010
TravelTechnology Weekly – Digital IQ Index, Cities of Opportunity…