Mbabane: In preparing the tourism businesses for a digital future, the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Eswatini Tourism Authority (ETA) has on Thursday organized an intensive one-day digital marketing training for the tourism industry.
The training is set to benefit about 30 tourism establishments that gathered at the Royal Villas where they were armed by Yati Marketing with digital marketing know-how. This follows that as worldwide technology advances in the tourism sector, much attention is focused on digital marketing and e-commerce as a way of communicating to tourists and marketing tourism services, and opening up opportunities associated with the tourism industry’s digital transformation.
The main aim of the training is to up-skill the local tourism businesses in almost everything that touches on digital marketing which encompasses the use of social media and many other digital platforms to boost their businesses.
The ministry’s Principal Secretary, John Hlophe said digital media is one of the most influential platforms of our time and everyone must look for ways of how to utilize it.
Hlophe highlighted that the success stories that have come from the strategic and creative use of digitized messaging and online visibility by organizations and multiple sectors across the globe are worth learning from.
The PS went on to say there are many opportunities for the Eswatini tourism industry which lies in the digital space, not only for recovery but to thrive. “As a space that transcends geographical boundaries and connects us all to different people and their cultures, digital media also allows us to invite emaSwati and the world at large to have a unique taste of The Royal Experience right here in the Kingdom of Eswatini,” he said.
Meanwhile, ETA’s CEO, Linda Nxumalo noted that we live in an era where digital presence serves as a shop front to the world. She said when explored correctly, it can yield positive, tangible, and sustainable results for the respective establishments and the tourism industry as a whole. She emphasized the importance of utilizing digital technology saying: “As technology evolves, so the industry should.”
The CEO said it was therefore important that the industry understands the digital space and learns how to capitalize on the digital tools for a broader impact and sustainable reach to all in the name of showcasing the beloved country to domestic, regional, and international tourists.
Nxumalo said many people can attest to the irrefutable power of digital media in uniting people across the globe and its ability to inspire innovative ideas that have solved some of the world’s greatest challenges.
The ETA CEO further highlighted that tourism is one of the sectors that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and she emphasized exploring ways to get the Eswatini Tourism Industry back on its feet, restart tourism, and encourage responsible travel within the parameters of “The New Normal”,
She said ETA remains resolute in its mission to continue promoting ‘Destination Eswatini’ and facilitating educational programmes that empower the local tourism industry, highlighting that the digital marketing training workshop is a manifestation of that very mission.
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