Filmmaker and entertainment industry veteran Socrate Safo has strongly defended Ghana’s attention to popular American streamer Speed, describing it as a strategic tourism win rather than misplaced hype.
Speaking in an interview with GhanaWeb’s Isaac Dadzie, Safo said critics questioning why Ghana devoted so much attention to the internet personality do not understand how the modern tourism industry works.
“I’ve heard people question why we are giving him so much attention and all that. They also don’t understand how the tourism industry works. So they have every right to question. They don’t know the relevance.
“If you understand tourism, then you will know what it means to have somebody give you over 50 million eyeballs,” he said, referring to Speed’s massive global following on YouTube and Twitch.
Top moments from IShowSpeed’s visit to Ghana
According to Safo, destination marketing has evolved from travel magazines and TV shows to real-time online storytelling through social media.
“Years ago, tourism promotion was through travel magazines placed in hotel receptions. Today, technology allows people to see destinations live. When someone with 50 million followers comes to your country and puts the camera on you, you should understand the value,” he explained.
He added that tourists travel to places they feel connected to, citing religious tourism in Mecca and Israel, wildlife tourism in East Africa, and recreation in Dubai as examples.
Socrate Safo praised Ghana’s cultural presentation during Speed’s visit, commending organisers and content creators such as Wode Maya for showcasing the country effectively.
“It showcased the country. I don’t see anywhere that we faulted. I think we gave one of the best presentations in all these 20 nations that he has gone to. If you ask me, from our cultural representation and all that. We did so well. I commend the organisers, whoever was behind it. Somebody like Wode Maya, shoutouts to him as well,” he said.
Check out videos from Speed’s tour of Ghana:
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