UNWTO Regional Executive Training Course in the Republic of the Sudan on Crisis Communications in Tourism, from 14 to 18 November, in Khartoum
The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the UNWTO.Themis Foundation, the Government of the Republic of the Sudan and its Ministry of Tourism, Antiquities and Wildlife, are jointly organizing the UNWTO Regional Executive Training Course in the Republic of the Sudan on Crisis Communications in Tourism, in Khartoum from 14 to 18 November 2016, with the participation of qualified tourism officials and industry professionals from the host country as well as from Egypt, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Crises can deter people from visiting a destination. They may come in many different forms: environmental, societal/political, technological, health-related and economic. They can be man-made or naturally-generated. The impact of crisis is not always restricted to the immediate event. Negative perceptions of the destination can last long after the crisis is over. Crisis can often loom larger than reality in the eyes of potential visitors as a result of relentless media attention. This can both magnify and prolong a crisis among source markets and depress travel demand. Minimizing the impact of crisis on destination requires clear, swift and effective communications at every stage of crisis.
Effective partnership between public and private sector is fundamental for successful destinations. Coordinating communications between them is even more critical in times of crisis. Therefore, this executive training course is designed to equip participants to develop crisis communication strategy and implement a crisis communication plan. It is highly practical and explores current strategic communication tools and methodologies, drawn lessons from others and includes practical exercises.
Mrs. Marie-Alise Elcia Grancdcourt, Programme Director for Regional programme for Africa stated that “This training course comes at an appropriate timing as the topic is of great relevance to many countries in the region especially given the current security situation worldwide. This course thus aims to prepare countries for any eventuality through planning and implementing crisis communication plans that mitigate the impact of crisis situations.”
