One of Kenya’s renowned travel journalist Harriet Owalla is expected to be among the speakers at the much anticipated Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit slated for 8th – 9th June 2023 at the Serena Beach Resort and Spa in Kenya.
The summit host stakeholders in the tourism industry all over the world with a common denominator for sustainable tourism. Dubbed, #STAS2023 it will focus on strengthening Tourism Value Chains in Africa. The two-day event will feature keynote speakers, panel sessions, workshops, and exhibitions from various experts.
The People’s Daily journalist, one of the largest newspaper in Kenya has also contributed in other international media outlets such as skift, afar, fodor, time out, inews and has featured on BBC travel show, the kenyan edition.She boost of her immense experience in travel journalism having travelled to at least 10 countries in Africa including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Nigeria, Seychelles, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda and DRC.
Her discussion at the summit with target the relationship between media and tourism, a paradigm in sustainable tourism. Excited for the opportunity Owalla said, “I will be speaking about the relationship between media and tourism these two sectors can work together. The media is either misused, abused, or underused and I want to clearly explain ways through which stakeholders can have a fruitful relationship with the media to bring exposure to the best practices in tourism and also stories that can shape a change in perception in the industry.
However in Kenya I would say it depends on which kind of media that is being used. There are those who understand the power of the main stream media in highlighting issues and they will use that to their advantage. There others who still don’t know how to use them or the appropriate channels to use to get a story aired. There are also those who don’t understand the difference between stories that matter to journalists and those that don’t”.
Owalla has been a practicing journalist for over 5 years. Although she didn’t study journalism, she holds Degree in Political Science and Sociology and Masters In International Studies both from University of Nairobi.
SPEAKER TOPICS
Innovations in Community empowerment in the Tourism Value Chains in Africa
The place of MICE Value chains in promoting Sustainable tourism
Innovative Beach Tourism Value Chains in Africa for sustainability
Training and skills development for sustainability
Innovation and technology in tourism Value chains for sustainability
Innovativeness in Cultural Tourism Value Chains for Sustainability
Tourism Value Chains in Host community integration
Innovative financing in tourism for sustainability
Innovativeness in MSMEs in tourism Value chains for sustainability
Wildlife Tourism Value chains for sustainability.
