Social media influence on Tourism event management

Wherever we go the number of internet and social media users is increasing day by day. The tourism event industry has been affected by the popularity of social media in that, event management and event marketing activities have changed radically in their exposure.

One must note that the importance of social media surrounding events, management of events as well as the marketing of events are interesting ones to be explored.

The role of social media surrounding events can be examined in three parts, namely, before, during, and after the events. Social media is regarded as an important tool used by event managers as an indispensable part of tourism events with so many aspects to be explored.

Most media firms nowadays capitalise on the rapid growth and fast way to get hold of their audience by posting event listings, press releases, breaking news information, and so on, on social media. Analyzing social media posts and followings commentary opens up a new world of understanding the successes and failures of events.

Using the 2022 Kazungula Bridge Marathon and the 2022 Jwaneng Desert Bush Walk sports tourism events is a good example of understanding the mentality or expectations of participants given the popularity of such events.

The effectiveness of social media applications in organising events brings to light, the success rate of applying various methods of implementing the ever-growing features and applications within platforms such as Facebook for events advertising.

There are essential steps toward event marketing within the tourism and hospitality industry that can lead to success and this should not be taken lightly. Sometimes the toxic backlash that social media gives us is an opportunity for growth.

Written in collaboration with Tonderai Vumbunu, Sethunya Mogami, and Diketso Rahuma Email: olivia.nthoi@gmail.com