Flow Communications is proud to be involved in an exciting new online marketing initiative for Watamu, a village on the Kenyan coast. The Wonders of Watamu website provides all the reasons to visit Watamu, where to stay and what to do there.
Working with Damian Cook of E-Tourism Frontiers, and members of the tourism industry in Watamu, we’re excited about the potential of this regional tourism collaboration. Watamu has made its presence felt on social media in the past week, with residents and visiting all contributing content using the hashtag #VisitWatamu, which is collected on the website’s social wall.
The Wonders of Watamu Facebook page attracted more than 2 500 fans within a week of being active, while the followings on Instagram and Twitter have also quickly picked up.
Watamu features in the recent TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards, being named as one of the Best Beaches in Africa, and one of the resorts, Medina Palms, was voted one the Best Hotels in Africa.
Max Cheli, manager of Medina Palms, says of the new regional marketing campaign: “The saying that ‘great ideas are fuelled by necessity’ is the drive behind the creation of Wonders of Watamu. At a time when tourism on the Kenya Coast has slumped to historical lows, a group of like-minded Watamu folk, representing hotels, private houses, water sports, cultural and educational activities, has decided that they will actively promote Watamu to the world and will not settle for anything less than success.
“The results, following the launch of the social media platforms and the website, is a testament to how much Watamu is loved by whoever has been fortunate enough to visit this lovely town. From its world-class beaches, to the quality of the hotels and the amazing natural beauty of the area, this is perfect holiday destination. Add to this the incredible activities on offer: kite surfing, diving, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, turtle conservation projects and releases and mountain biking, to name a few, it is no wonder that everybody loves Watamu and dreams of being part of this life, even for just a few days a year.”
Flow created the Watamu logo as part of the project. George Xafis, the logo’s designer, says: “The colours and fonts were inspired by the white beaches, deep ocean colour palette and the offshore coral formations found in the different bays and beaches.”
CEO Tara Turkington visited Watamu recently. She says: “The Wonders of Watamu website is Flow’s first digital project in Kenya, so is always going to have a very special place in our hearts. What a privilege it was to work with the amazing people who live in work in Watamu, and to showcase this beautiful destination. If Watamu hasn’t been on your bucket list till now, it’s time to add it!”
Below are some photos of Watamu, taken Tara, and posted on Flow’s Flickr stream.
