Two new campaigns introduced by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO) are being scrutinised by local tourism marketers for advise on new promotion strategies.

The WTO campaigns, one focusing on the role of the media on tourism and the other, entitled "Tourism Enriches" looking at the global to local benefits of tourism, were presented at the recent Tourcom meeting, held at the same time as the Spanish Fitur trade fair (see accompanying article).

According to the Seychelles Tourism Marketing Authority's (STMA) International Relations Director, Mrs Zoritsa Nibourette, the information delivered by the speakers at Tourcom will lead to "a refinement in the way of doing things."

Picking up on the role of the media in supporting tourism Mrs Nibourette said, "Seychelles is very small and we cannot afford large advertising campaigns, so we need to focus on un-paid communications, which can be very instrumental in raising the awareness of the country, forging the image of the country and forming the desire of people to visit the country."

She said that it is important for the marketing authority to be present, "where world experts are discussing key issues which are vital to you," adding that she will endeavour to, "take the best practice from the experts we met."

Mrs Nibourette also drew attention to the WTO campaign to spread the message of the benefits of tourism at every level, from global to local.

The campaign will seek to highlight the direct and indirect benefits accrued to small communities, regions, nations and international relations by the tourist trade.

As well as looking at the direct transfer of income through tourist spending the campaign will also highlight cultural exchanges and the revival of traditions, that are encouraged by international travel.

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