An innovative marketing strategy to portray Solomon Islands potential as a destination for fulfilling adventure holidays.
In January this year, I wrote a piece suggesting a possible change in marketing strategy for tourism development that could prove an important pathway for economic growth given the dwindling logging industry and the expected decline in round log exports.
Here is what I said at the time.
“It could be advantageous with, perhaps, the help of Solomon Airways, to introduce an idea that was instituted in Austria and maybe one that continues.
“I will explain with a quote from an article I saw was published by the Economics Development Organisation, based in the United Kingdom.
“If you do not have an internet presence, you are missing out on countless opportunities. One of the best ways to generate this online presence is through blogger outreach. By hosting bloggers in your country you can have them promote your tourism industry on the internet with articles and hashtags on social media.
“One fantastic example of a blogger outreach campaign was promoted by the Austrian Board of Tourism. Austria flew in several bloggers to have an once-in-a-lifetime trip. In exchange for this trip, the bloggers wrote about their Austrian experience and promoted the tourism industry there on their blogs. Bloggers were also encouraged to post pictures and notes on sites with the hashtag “#inAustria.”
When I read today’s edition of the Solomon Times, I came across an article that caught my attention because the story related very much to the kind of blogger campaign that reportedly aided the Austrian Board of Tourism.
Here are several extracts from the Solomon Times article which quoted an earlier one published by fishingworld.com.au.
“Fishing World's Patrick Linehan writes about some of the exciting fishing he experienced in the Solomon Islands during a recent visit. Fishing World is Australia's leading sport fishing media brand.
“The Solomon Islands or "Sols" is an island nation consisting of six main islands with many other smaller islands. It's located to the east of Papua New Guinea.
“The Sols is well known for its WWII history and world class diving. But in recent years – and for good reason – the Sols has captured the attention of fishos and surfers.
“After my visit to the Sols, I'm a firm believer that its popularity will only grow. The combination of world class bluewater and sweetwater fishing is a winning formula. Add to this an incredibly accommodating culture, rich history and an idyllic tropical atmosphere - guaranteed to offer-up something for everyone.”
Patrick Linehan’s account of his fishing adventure to “Sols’ would have been read by many readers of the popular fishing magazine in Australia and I expect by many other fishing enthusiasts in other countries and could well bring about increased travel interest and future visits for fishing and diving adventures in the Solomon Islands.
I hope that will be the case.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
