State's CNN adverts faulted

An online tourism expert has criticised the Government’s move to advertise on CNN even after the infamous hotbed of terror remark by the broadcaster.

According to E-Tourism Frontiers CEO Damian Cook, advertising on a platform that always talks ill of your country and continent is ill-advised.

“Why are we putting content on a platform that is predominantly negative in its discussions of Africa?” wondered Cook. Although CNN has since apologised on this gaffe, the risk of it dramatising a similar negative incident should one arise is still there. “Should there be another Westgate, they (CNN) are always going to report on it,” he said.

He was speaking during the launch of the 5th E-Tourism East Conference which is supposed to help players in the tourism industry utilise the internet, especially the social media in their marketing activities.

Kenya Tourism Board Managing Director Ndegwa Muriithi said the pivotal role of CNN as a leading global media house cannot be wished away.

“Truth be told CNN is still a global player when it comes to information and audiences,” he said, adding that the advert would involve more than just TV.

“It was a holistic decision that was taken from a holistic perspective,” he said. “Clearly, if you look at some destinations out there, they have used different platforms for different purposes. It might not be entirely be to reach out in terms of increasing the numbers, but it could also be to show that the country is changing,” he said.