Recently, the Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) held a skills excellence media training in Kabale district in southwest Uganda with the goal of empowering journalists and travel reporters to raise the bar on their industry reporting techniques if the country is to successfully grow its tourism industry.
Journalists from Kampala and Kigezi regions attended the week-long programme at Cephas Inn located in the heart of Kabale town, where they received tools and guidance on the best ways to report on the tourist industry in order to develop their abilities and advance their careers.
The training also zeroed in on transformative journalism and sustainable reporting that would protect the environment and local populations in the long run.
Dr. John Baptist Imokola, a former Journalist at Next Media Ltd, was among the facilitators alongside Eric Ntalo, the UWEC Spokesperson, and Mr. Godfrey Lule.
The beneficial session, which also included fascinating team-building activities, proved to be a turning point for a number of journalists covering tourism.
Dr John Baptist Imokola revealed that, the world of tourism reporting commands potential in shaping perceptions, advocating for responsible tourism, and promoting sustainable and inclusive development.
He asserted, ‘’Through sustainable tourism reporting, journalists become the storytellers of our time, putting together pieces of social responsibility, economic growth and environmental stewardship. By shedding light on the profound impact on local communities and ecosystems, they empower us to make informed choices and embark on memorable journeys that leave a lasting positive imprint’’.
Additionally, he mentioned how the commitment to an integrated strategy in tourism reporting not only fosters awareness but also serves as a catalyst for transformative action, encouraging the preservation of cultural heritage and conserving the delicate balance of our precious natural assets.
Gessa Simplicious, senior public relations officer for UTB, stated that this training is intended to help the journalists in some way or another.
The spokesperson for the Uganda Wildlife Education and Conservation Centre (UWEC), Eric Ntalo, educated journalists on the ethics and principles of journalism and tourism reporting, emphasizing objectivity, media influence on tourists, cultural sensitivity, and an enhanced approach to tackling other areas when reporting about the tourism and hospitality industries as a whole. He took journalists down memory lane of the country’s tourism history, pointing out obstacles, business opportunities, and threats, such as COVID-19 and the Ebola virus, among others, as well as areas where we as a preferred tourist destination need to improve.
Mr Lule highlighted that the journalists should put the training’s lessons into action in order to further their careers and professional skills as senior ambassadors in the tourism industry.
About Guide2Uganda
Guide2Uganda (www.guide2uganda.ug) is the most comprehensive source of travel information about Uganda on the web, with more content on its cities and towns, accommodations, attractions, events, museums, and galleries than any other online guide currently available for Uganda, as well as being a dynamic travel news and events driven site with new content added on a daily basis.
We are one of Uganda’s most powerful online media organizations, according to the WeFollow & Peer Index, which assesses online influence. Jumia Travel Uganda also awarded Guide2Uganda the “Best Destination Website in Uganda” at the 2018 Africa Travel Awards.
Share your travel stories & photos with the world via email: info@guide2uganda.ug
