Tourism Officials Bet Big on Influencers and Pop Culture to Attract Global Crowds

Tourism Officials Bet Big on Influencers and Pop Culture to Attract Global Crowds From Hong Kong to Kenya, tourism boards are turning to global internet celebrities and pop culture phenomena to drive visitor numbers, betting that online fame can translate into real-world travel bookings. The strategy is seeing high-profile rollouts worldwide. Hong Kong recently enlisted Khaby Lame, the most-followed creator on TikTok, to showcase the city to his millions of followers [7250]. Similarly, Kenya’s Tourism Minister hailed a visit by American streamer iShowSpeed as a “major victory,” crediting his broadcasts from a national park with providing a massive global boost for the country [47845]. This pivot toward influencer-driven marketing is part of a broader shift in how destinations are promoted. Experts note travelers in 2026 are increasingly seeking “meaningful tourism” inspired by media, moving beyond traditional landmark visits [36959]. The trend is evident in places like Venice, where a simple dock gained fame as the “Kardashian Jetty” after being used during a celebrity wedding, now drawing fans seeking a connection to the event [51924]. Governments are backing these promotional efforts with significant financial investment to improve the visitor experience. Ethiopia is funding major new luxury resorts and infrastructure projects in a bid to redefine itself as a modern travel destination [26032]. Ghana has reopened its historic Nationalism Park in Accra as part of a national plan to make tourism a central economic pillar [35591]. In Kashmir, officials are actively promoting ski resorts and mountain getaways, investing in new hotels and flights to rebuild an economy long defined by conflict [46233]. The goal is a direct economic lift. Tourism creates jobs in hospitality, transportation, and services, supporting local artisans and businesses [46233]. Kenya’s officials hope the exposure from iShowSpeed’s record-breaking streams will lead to a sustained increase in international arrivals [47845]. While the long-term success of these campaigns remains to be measured, the global competition for tourists is increasingly being fought on smartphone screens as much as in travel brochures. Beyond Paris: TV Drives 2026 "Meaningful Tourism" Trend Venice's New Tourist Hotspot: The 'Kardashian Jetty' **American Streamer iShowSpeed's Kenya Tour Breaks Records, Boosts Tourism** Hong Kong Enlists Top TikTok Star Khaby Lame to Attract Tourists Ethiopia Bets Big: Can New Tourism Push Redefine Global Travel? Ghana Reopens Historic Park to Boost Tourism Economy Ski Resorts or Soldiers? Kashmir Bets on Tourism Over Conflict