New Media explored at Tourism Society event

Tourism professionals can learn more about the benefits of New Media at a Tourism Society event held at BU this September.

Virtual media and tourism will be the topic of discussion at an event run jointly by The Tourism Society and The Travel & Tourism Diploma, at BU this September.

The ‘Tourism and New Media’ event held at BU’s Talbot campus on Thursday 24 September, will discuss the new trend of operating virtually, looking at how the tourism industry can harness ‘virtual media’, the latest technology to help market and promote tourism businesses.

It will also explore how tourism-related organisations can find new customers and improve their branding in the current economic environment.

The event, the first in a series at academic institutions across the country, will be chaired by BU Professor Dimitrios Buhalis, a leading e-tourism expert who has conducted extensive research into the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT) on the tourism industry.

Presentations will be given by field-leaders such as Andrew Pozniak, Travel Google’s Industry Leader, James Poulter, Digital Strategist at Ogilvy PR and Dawn Sims, ITC Project Manager at Carter Communication.

Professor Buhalis, Deputy Director of BU’s International Centre for Tourism & Hospitality Research, explains: "In an era when more destinations and tourism organisations are keen to attract travellers new media plays an even more important role for the tourism industry.

“This event will explore how new media will enable tourism and hospitality as well as organizations and destinations to engage in a proactive dialogue with their clientele and enhance their competitiveness"

The Tourism Society is the professional membership body for people working in all sectors of the visitor economy. Founded in 1977, the Society aims to drive up standards of professionalism in a fast-growing global industry which can have major social, economic and environmental impacts on communities and nations.

The Tourism Society is offering BU students free entry to this event for a non catered ticket. Students wishing to take up this offer will still be required to register their attendance using the contact details below.

Where: The Shelley Lecture Theatre, Talbot Campus, Bournemouth University
When: Thursday 24 September 2009
Further information: Please see The Tourism Society website or contact Daniel Moriss-Jeffery on 020 8661 4636