Entertainment
Digital Technology, Best Tool To boost Tourism In Nigeria –NTDC
The Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) says digital tools such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram and Twitter will boost marketing of tourism in the country.
The Director General of NTDC, Mr Folorunsho Coker stated this on Friday at the South-East Tourism Stakeholders’ Forum in Enugu with the Theme: “Utilizing Digital Tools for Optimization and Destination Marketing”.
Coker said that technology had changed tourism market, increasing reach and changing the characteristics of tourism jobs, adding that the only way destination are promoted, demands new skills from tourism entrepreneur.
According to him, technology is the major fulcrum that creates momentum in the leisure-travel space and other tourism products.
He added that relying on physical contacts alone would not function optimally in the modern society as that would make them become redundant.
“The digital revolution has resulted in changes in culture of production, distribution, consumption and blurring the divide among race, wealth and culture.
“It has increased global access and reach of content across the borders in a relatively short time with larger impacts and wider reach.
“Digital tools helps to promote existing tourism assets such as music, films, fashion, sports, food and festivals,” Coker said.
In the past, he said, digital tools like websites, email marketing and search engine optimizations for Google search were the major tools for deployed destination marketing.
“But today, plethora options that include Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Twitter have added.
“Therefore, we are all gathered here to collectively develop proactive and sustainable ideas that will properly organise the sectors and accelerate its development in the country and South-East zone,” he said.
The director noted that the meeting was third of its series, assuring that the corporation would ensure that similar meetings were held across the country as resolutions therefrom would be given due consideration.
In his remarks, Mr Ugonna Ibe, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Enugu State noted that there was a wide gap between technology-drive and globally connected tourism business as traditional ones were yet to adapt to digitalise business practices.
Ibeh said Nigerians must key into high-tech digital activities to be able to match trending global digital technology, which has changed people’s way of living, doing business and travel.
“To compete globally, we must align ourselves to transformative digital technology and innovations,” Ibe said.
Discussing the theme, Prof. I.C Nwauzigbo said digital technology created opportunities and attracted foreign inflow for a country that adopted it.
Nwauzigbo from the Hospitality and Tourism Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka added that good quality services and customer satisfaction increased patronage and sustained the sector.
The highlights of the event were bestowing of chieftaincy title “Enyi Ndi Igbo (Friend of the Igbo) to Coker as well as cultural displays.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’
