Journalists told they can help or hurt tourism

Journalists here have been reminded that their profession can “help or hurt the development of the fragile tourism industry”.{{more}}

The reminder was given during a two-day training workshop for media practitioners, conducted by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports and Culture from March 7 to 8, at the Telecommunications Conference Room.

Seven journalists from five different media organisations attended the workshop.

The objectives of the workshop were to strengthen the relationship between the media and the ministry; ensure quality coverage of tourism related events and activities; educate the media on various aspects of tourism; and better formulate and report on issues in the tourism industry.

Jacintha James of the APT Consultancy Services facilitated day one of the training, during which the journalists were engaged in various interactive sessions on tourism education, reporting in the tourism industry and on sites and attractions in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

James reminded the media that they have the power and influence because of their communications operations.

“We cannot tell you what to bring, but we’re saying that you have a responsibility to make sure that whatever you bring is accurate, balanced and fair.

“You have a responsibility to also make sure that what you bring is not going to be detrimental to the tourism industry…

“So, if we are agreeing that the industry is important, if we are agreeing that we have a role to play, then that role cannot be to destroy or to further jeopardise the state of the industry,” James told the journalists.

She emphasised that the role of journalists does not end at the end of a working day.

The facilitator further reminded the journalists that, as Vincentians, they all “have a duty to promote and protect tourism.”

Communications manager in the Ministry of Tourism Jay Belmar, speaking to the participants at the start of the training workshop, reminded them that the continued growth of SVG’s tourism industry depends on the reporting of various issues by the media.

Bria King, one of the two representatives from SEARCHLIGHT in attendance, said the workshop was very informative as she was exposed to several new aspects of the industry that she did not know about.

“I think it achieved its purpose in sensitizing the journalists … on how to do their job in respect to tourism and being good hosts of their country,” King said.

The workshop climaxed on day two, with participants travelling to the Windward coast of St Vincent on a familiarisation tour.

The touring journalists visited the Belmont Lookout, Owia Salt Pond, the Soufriere Cross Country Trail, Black Point Historic and Recreation Park and Rawacou Recreation Park.

The other representative from SEARCHLIGHT was Audwin Andrews.(AA)