Social Media & Tourism Forum aims to boost SA's tourism industry

On the third day, attendees are invited to attend a full day post-conference workshop focused on practical examples of using social media for your travel agency, hotel or tour company.

The forum is the first of its kind in South Africa and will hopefully become an annual event for the tourism industry. One of the key reasons for the Social Media & Tourism Forum is to enable a networking platform for the much-needed conversation on the potentials social media has for changing the face of Tourism in Africa.

Engage with the right target market

Ola Odejayi, research and business development manager at Global Prospectus Training, says that while many local tourism companies are starting to use social media, there are still many ways that they can open communication channels with people travelling to South Africa and improve their return on investment. "While travel and tourism companies are using social media, I think a lot can still be learned with regards to engaging with the right target market and measuring your social media investments and success," says Odejayi.

"When people travel to South Africa, they read user generated content - like Trip Advisor, for example. Marketing your travel company, tour packages or destination can no longer be a one-way engagement; we need to start interactive with our niche audiences. In order to reap the benefits of social media, we need to start looking at ways to build online communities and start showing social media users what South Africa has to offer," continues Odejayi.

Speakers are top digital strategists

The list of speakers, which include top digital strategists and CEO's of leading agencies, will present case studies and solution driven presentations that aim to inspire and challenge delegates.

Odejayi explains that the speakers were chosen based on their experience in digital advertising as well as exposure to the tourism industry.

"All of the speakers are experts in social media and digital marketing, but they also have different levels of experience in the travel industry. Our goal was to enlist people who would be able to develop solution-driven, practical presentations as well as give innovative ideas to the travel, tour and hospitality industry so that attendees can leave the forum and know exactly how and where to start their social media initiatives," says Odejayi.

For more information about the conference or to book your spot, contact Ola Odejayi on +27 72 550 0562 or moc.asgniniartpg@alo.