Where Can Your Social Network Take You?

New app tests whether we're all connected by six degrees

Exclusive travel prizes available - including 2 trips for 2 to Britain

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Feb 16, 2011, 07:00 ET

NEW YORK, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Much has been said about the power of Facebook and other social networking sites in bringing people together. Now, for the first time, it's really being put to the test.

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Unite the Invite is a new Facebook app that tests the power of your social reach. Launching today, the premise is simple: You register, upload a picture of yourself and are matched with another Facebook user, who is also involved in this "social experiment". Simply post their picture to your wall and ask your friends to share it. Your challenge is to find your match faster than anyone else. If you do, you'll win an exclusive trip for two to London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh or Cardiff.

"The idea that we're all connected by six degrees of separation has intrigued people for generations. This new app is a fun and easy way of seeing just how connected you really are," says Joanne Simmons, Online Executive at VisitBritain, who has co-developed the app with STA Travel.

So, what does this app have to do with the UK's national tourist board and America's leading youth travel expert?

Unite the Invite sees each participant given a virtual invitation to the UK. But there's a catch – we only give you half of it. The other half is given to the mystery person you have to find on Facebook. If you find them and unite your invite faster than anyone else, you'll each win an exclusive UK adventure that has been organized by STA Travel's Travel Experts," says James Bell, STA Travel Commercial VP.

He adds: "With the Royal Wedding just a couple months away and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games just around the corner, the UK has never had more reasons to celebrate – and there's never been a more exciting time to visit."

Unite the Invite runs until Sunday March 13th, 2011 at 11.59 pm and can be accessed by visiting www.facebook.com/LoveUK. Prize details: The fastest pair to Unite their Invite will each win a trip for two to the UK and can choose from six different prizes: London, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow or Cardiff.

For more press information about travel to Britain: visitbritain.com/mediaroom

For access to VisitBritain's free photo library for media: visitbritainimages.com

Twitter (Corporate): @VisitBritainBiz | Twitter (Consumer): @VisitBritain | Facebook: LoveUK

About VisitBritain

Americans made three million visits to the UK in 2009 and spent US $3.3 billion (GBP 2.2 billion pounds Sterling) – placing them in the UK's top three most important markets for visitors. Britain remains Americans' favorite long-haul destination.
VisitBritain, the national tourism agency, is responsible for inspiring the world to explore Britain and for developing the UK's visitor economy.
Visitors traveling to Britain can find out more information from visitbritain.us plus purchase money and time saving local transport, sightseeing, attraction, theatre and tour tickets from visitbritainshop.us

About STA Travel

STA Travel is the youth travel expert enabling students and young adults to explore the world by creating experiences filled with adventure, discovery and personal growth. For more information or to find a STA Travel Store near you, visit statravel.com.

VisitBritain Website

VisitBritain Media Room

SOURCE VisitBritain