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Call for Journalists: Kenya Tourism Media Awards (print and digital media/ blog)

On behalf of the tourism industry, Kenya Tourism Federation is introducing Kenya Tourism Awards. The goal of the awards is to recognize and encourage excellence and good practice in responsible tourism.

Kenya Tourism Federation Secretariat is organizing the Kenya tourism industry's first national awards.

The awards ceremony is slated for 23rd June 2011. There are 8 different award categories - 7 award categories for the tourism industry; and a Media award category - with the goal of recognizing the contribution of the media in promoting Kenya as a tourism destination of choice. There are a total of 15 awards to be won.

Businesses and journalists who wish to participate in the set categories should submit their nominations by 5 pm on 30th April 2011, after which nominations will not be accepted. A business may nominate to be considered in more than one category.

To nominate a business: Complete the nomination form printed in black ink, double spaced, using 12 point type. The nomination form should be accompanied by a narrative of no more than 4 pages outlining how the business fits in the specific award criteria. The nomination should also be accompanied by not more than 4 signed letters of support from persons other than the nominator.

A business may also opt to submit along with the nomination additional support material for the nomination, such as newspaper articles, press releases, photos with captions, internal and external evaluation documents

Nominations may be mailed or delivered to the address:

Selection committee,
KTF Tourism Awards,
P.O BOX 15013 - 00509,
Nairobi.

Or e-mailed to: awards@ktf.co.ke

Summaries of winning entries will be published in the Africa Investor Magazine, with the option not to publish commercially sensitive information.

Media Awards

There are 3 categories for the Media Award

a) Electronic Media
i. Radio Journalist
ii. Television Journalist

b) Print Media
i. Newspaper Journalist
ii. Magazine Journalist

c) Digital Media
i. Blog and website

NOMINATION CRITERIA: PRINT AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Nominations must demonstrate that the nominee has presented or published editorial features:
• Focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism practices (e.g. waste management, use of eco‐friendly materials, involving community partnership, conservation etc.)
• linking tourism to its contribution to poverty eradication and achievement of vision 2030
• showing diversity of tourism products; e.g. culture, beach, scenery, ecotourism
• Expose’ on tourism or that has an effect on tourism that has elicited a positive reaction from the concerned parties /authorities. Evidence of this to be presented in follow up stories.
• That show evidence of in depth research and creativity and portrays Kenya or a part of Kenya as a magical tourist destination

Nomination packages should include the following:

• A completed nomination form and an accompanying narrative of no more than 4 pages outlining how you meet award criteria.
• Clip of minimum 1 minute stories for the last six months (TV and radio)
• Cuttings of at least six stories with a minimum of 500 words per cutting for the last six months/ or six editions for travel magazines with (Print Media)
• At least two, but no more than four letters of support for the nomination from persons other than the nominator. The letters of support must be signed by the author.
• (Optional) No more than five items of additional support materials, such as newspaper articles, press releases, photos with captions, internal or external evaluation documents, etc., that support the nomination.

NOMINATION CRITERIA: ‐ DIGITAL MEDIA AWARDS

Nominations must demonstrate that the nominee uses digital, online and social media in a way that:

• Provides authentic, informative and up to date content on a wide range of topics on tourism related to not only their products and services, but on Kenya as a tourism destination of choice.
• Creates interactive experience for clients as opposed to a static website
• Integrates their social media presence into their business seamlessly
• Communicates effectively and appropriately to databases of past, current and potential future clientele
• Makes best use of all digital media including video, multimedia and imagery
• Integrates User Generated Content from Clients
• promotes sustainable tourism practices as a means to overcome challenges to tourism in the long and short term

Nomination materials will not be returned. To confirm timely receipt of your nomination package, please provide your email. Summaries of winning entries will be published in Africa investor; however, you will be given the option to omit any commercially sensitive information.

For inquiries: awards@ktf.co.ke

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Call for Journalists: Kenya Tourism Media Awards (print and digital media/ blog) + writing contests