Kenya bets on social media to woo visitors
The government has now turned to users of social media in an effort to revive the ailing tourism industry.
Through a task-force formed by the Ministry of East African Affairs, Commerce and Tourism to steer the sector’s recovery, Kenya Thursday called on active users of the forums to express interest in being part of the campaign.
Positive messages about the country will be passed to local and international visitors through Facebook, Twitter, Blogs, WhatsApp, Instagram and other platforms.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
“To be considered, a user needs to send an expression of interest to participate in a breakfast meeting by the task-force next week accompanied by a brief write-up on ideas of how to boost Kenya’s tourism sector,” chairperson of the marketing and communications committee of the team, Mr Donald Kipkorir said.
About 200 people will be picked to participate in the campaign.
The strategy had already been approved by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Tourism fortunes have plunged as international visitors shun Kenya due to high insecurity occasioned by incessant terrorist attacks.
Mr Kipkorir did not disclose the terms of engagement only saying that; “We will work together to ensure this plan is mutually beneficial for the selected users and the tourism sector.”
It is expected that the campaign will deliver huge gains since information on social media gets to be shared across several platforms.
REACTED PROMPTLY
Kenyans on Facebook and Twitter reacted promptly to the call with many saying they planned to apply.
Mr Kipkorir said the committee had already received over 200 emails and ideas from interested parties.
This is one of the efforts set up by the government to boost the industry that is reeling from effects of insecurity.
