Regular Aussies are set to become virtual travel agents thanks to a new Facebook app launched by Tourism Australia.

By providing a location-specific picture of the where friends have previously checked-in, the app allows users to tap into their peers’ travelling insights, see where they have visited and the photos they have taken, and then message them to ask more about the destination and get their recommendations.

The ‘Discover Australia Through Your Friends’ app is a world first, merging Google Maps and Facebook technology to create a comprehensive planning tool that relies on valued opinion, not sales spiel.

Nick Baker, general manager of consumer marketing at Tourism Australia (which has the biggest Facebook page Down Under, with more than three million fans), said:  “The new Facebook app recognises this insight and provides a simple to use, virtual travel agency made up of your closest and most trusted friends to help connect with and share great ideas to plan and make the most of your trip.

“It’s also a great tool for the industry – allowing us to simultaneously showcase these postings as fantastic examples of things for visitors to do nearby, whilst spending time exploring our great country.”

The launch of the app follows findings that illustrate the growing effect social media has on the way Australians travel around their own country. A survey of over 1,000 Australian Facebook users showed that 73% proactively check and update their social networks while on holiday, while 20% revealed they’d been inspired to book a domestic holiday as a result of viewing their friends’ updates, photos and check-ins.

The app will also include information previously uploaded as part of Tourism Australia’s successful ‘There’s Nothing Like Australia’ campaign, creating a comprehensive directory of info forsocial media-savvy would-be travellers.