Image: 2nd left is Dr. Piriye Kiriayamo with members of the steering committee of TWC
Nenpin Fotka.
The Chairman, Board of Trustees of BRACED Tourism otion and Development Initiative (BTPDI), and erstwhile Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Bayelsa State Governor,
Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, at the steering committee meeting of Travel Writers, held to revitalize the corps in Rivers State, stressed that the relevance of journalists to the tourism industry is key to the development of community tourism in Rivers State.
Kiriayamo who averred that Travel Writers are key influencers and drivers of destination marketing, said, in recent times, practitioners have let the sector down by neglecting to create awareness that shapes visitors’ perceptions of Rivers State, much of which should have been done through storytelling of destinations in the state.
He cited infrastructure developments of Rivers State government such as the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Trans Kalabari Highway and the linking of Bonny Island to mainland Rivers State as veritable tourism icons that have also been left unreported by Travel Writers, even as he stated much can still be done with the renewed hope being put into revitalizing the corps in Rivers state.
Dr. Kiyaramo who is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), frowned at the lack of the spirit of esprit de corp among members of Travel Writers and called on them to close ranks so that they would be co-promoters of tourism development in the country. “As a destination marketer, the success of your campaign begins from self marketing and self marketing thrive in a group better than being a lone ranger. A stick of a broom can easily break but when tied together, cannot be easily broken;
“I am encouraged that a new spirit is brewing within your fold as you made to re-strategise on the way forward. I too, is committed to this new lease of life being breathed into the corps and I think those who may not fit in would on their own leave for new blood to flow into the veins of the association.” He stated.
In his briefing, the veteran journalist and publisher of the Blue Economy News Magazine Online, who spoke as he inaugurates the Travel Writers Corps steering committee meeting, Wednesday at its Secretariat, along Ikwerre Road, Mile I Diobu Port Harcourt, said “travel writers fuels the demand of tourism products in the tourism industry by creating engaging content, such as destination guides and “best of” lists, which help travelers choose locations, informing that tourism boards and other agencies leverage travel writers for promoting, branding, and marketing locations to a wider audience;
“Key contributions of travel writers to tourism include destination marketing and promotion as tourism boards or agencies usually invite travel writers to experience destinations firsthand, as published articles and content significantly increase awareness and visitor numbers.
“Unlike ads, travel writers provide in-depth storytelling, offering unique perspectives on culture, food, and local experiences that build deeper connections. Through blogs, articles, and “top 5” videos, travel writers offer authentic insights that help travellers choose where to go, creating high-value content.
“Travel writers play a crucial role in highlighting sustainable tourism, encouraging respectful travel, and protecting cultural and natural environments, aiding in long-term, responsible travel development.
“Travel writers assist destination managers in shaping a unique brand image for a location, making them essential in competitive tourism marketing. The role of travel writers has evolved, especially with digital content, but their core function remains providing authoritative, authentic, and inspiring content that turns potential travelers into visitors,” Dr. Kiyaramo maintained.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the South-South Travel Writers Corps, Amb. Akpekwu Imbufe who also doubles as the South-South Regional Coordinator of the Corps, said the chapter had embarked on several community based tourism initiatives before the expiration of the last tenure in office, saying that it was time to reactivate the Chapter.
Also speaking, Dr. George Ehulonu Ehule, a lecturer from the department of educational management in the faculty of education, Rivers State University lecturer and protem secretary, threw his support behind the initiative, saying that he was ready to collaborate with like minds to drive tourism development through storytelling.
Mrs. Chidi, the publisher of a local tabloid, “Rivers Today,” who serves as protem treasurer, pledged to bring her wealth of experience to bear on her assignment.
The steering committee was given the task to develop modalities for membership drive, agenda setting and content development within a timeframe of thirty days.
