June 29, (THEWILL) – The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bayelsa State Council, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, has assured the State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. Alla John, of a cordial working relationship with the hospitality and tourism sector to positively engage visitors to give them memorable impressions about Bayelsa State through media contents.
Comrade Numonengi, who stated this when the newly appointed Tourism Commissioner visited him in his office at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre, Yenagoa on Friday, informed the Commissioner that the union, under his watch, had established the Ernest Ikoli Visitor Information Centre at the Ernest Ikoli Press Centre as part of the state council’s efforts to promote tourism in a bid to give sense of a place to residents and the visitors in order to provide a unique space for visitors to enable them engage with the rich history, heritage, culture and tourism offerings of the state.
According to the Bayelsa NUJ Chairman, the Visitor Information Centre, Yenagoa was named after the foremost Journalist in the country, Ernest Sese Ikoli of blessed memory, in recognition of his role in promoting the ideals of objectivity and equity in society, saying that the centre provides information about Bayelsa State to potential tourists within a destination and its environ.
He said the centre, which is meant for the dissemination of tourism-related information to enhance the overall tourism experience of visitors to the destination, plays an important role in promoting the tourism industry as a vital first point of contact with visitors to provide value-adding services to them on arrival.
Numonengi further noted that with a myriad of new social platforms, advanced technologies and changing tourists’ behaviour, the landscape of travel has been undergoing a significant transformation, adding that social media has become the virtual hub for travel inspiration, allowing users to explore destinations through captivating images, engaging videos and overall aesthetically pleasing content from first-hand accounts shared by travellers.
“Uncensored media platforms equally play a key role in generating awareness of tourist destinations as a place to visit. Social media platforms have helped to streamline the trip-planning process, enabling travellers to research, book, and manage their itineraries seamlessly,” the Chairman maintained.
Earlier, the new Commissioner for Tourism Development, Hon. Alla John, said he was in the Chairman’s office to solicit his support in promoting the state’s tourism assets, informing that he would like to create an online events calendar for the state to enable his ministry officials, the media and the public to create a strong online presence and promote local attractions with engaging contents with a view to showcasing local events and businesses, in addition to hosting various festivals as well as provide tourists maps which direct visitors to the tourist attractions and facilities across the state.
Hon. John, who disclosed his plans to embark on a statewide local government tourism facility assessment tour to have first-hand knowledge of such sites, added that the media would be of great help in preserving cultures, strengthening bonds among local communities, fostering social interactions and integration, providing social services, and revitalising art, customs and art forms geared towards the preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the Ijaw people.
According to him, there is an urgent need for his Ministry to work with the media to promote Bayelsa State as an emerging tourist destination in the South-South region, adding that the social media platforms have increasingly become so imperative, especially in spheres of social interactions, cultural and educational aspects of life.
“The media contribute greatly in activating tourist attractions. Social media platforms are playing an important role in the growth, development and promotion of the tourism and hospitality sector by creating better awareness and understanding to cater to the needs and requirements of both domestic and international tourists,” he said.
Also speaking, the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Senator Douye Diri on Tourism and Publisher of The Blue Economy Magazine Online, Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, said in a world of constant technological evolution, consumers, especially tourists, are changing their behavioural patterns, looking for more tourist-friendly sources of information, pointing out that with the application of information technologies and social media, travellers could get updates on their booked flights and hotels at a particular tourist destination with ease.
“Advertising is a huge part of tourism promotion on social media. It’s perhaps the best strategy we need to use when promoting our tourism enterprises through social media. There are many benefits of using social media in promoting tourism that have demonstrated positive social impacts on society.
“Influencers and content creators wield major influence in shaping travel trends. Through visually attractive posts using trending sounds to compelling storytelling, influencers showcase not only the picturesque destinations they visit but also highlight the culinary delights, cultural experiences and adventure activities, inspiring millions to embark on a similar journey,” Dr. Kiyaramo said.
The Bayelsa Commissioner for Tourism Development was accompanied by a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Special Duties, Hon. Alex Akata and Mr. Alla Tedei on the visit.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
