The independent holiday specialist has been named as a ‘business hero’ by Facebook after its fan base on the social network grew to more than 24,500.

Facebook applauded the East Grinstead-based family-run business, in particular for its proactive approach to web page ‘takeovers’, seven days dedicated to blogging and actively generating valuable discussion about holiday destinations.

Tropical Sky was also applauded for:

• Helpful and straight-talking discussion forums

• Direct messaging and individual email feedback with Facebook users

• Positive use of critical feedback to tailor its holiday products

• Engaging polls and customer surveys

• Ability to create trust through expert and objective destination advice

• Fast and effective responses to customer enquiries

The company will be officially recognised at a Facebook for Business event at the London Chamber of Commerce on June 28.

The events form part of Facebook’s official UK roadshow, highlighting a number of small- to medium-sized businesses who are successfully increasing online engagement with their customers.

Tropical Sky online marketing executive Justin Mewse said: “In October 2011, we had reached 10,000 fans and by March 2012, we had more than doubled that figure to 21,500. The number of Facebook referrals to our sites also went up by some 500%.”