A Detailed Overview of HRH Princess Keisha Omilana’s Engagement with CIFFT Founder Alexander V. Kammel
In a notable event that bridged the realms of tourism and creativity, TRH Prince Kunle and Princess Keisha Omilana of Ipetu Ijesha, Nigeria, were present at the 2024 World Tourism Film Awards held on November 27, 2024, in the beautiful city of Valencia, Spain. This prestigious gathering attracted influential figures from both the tourism and creative industries to celebrate exceptional achievements in tourism-related films.
From L-R: ALEXANDER V. KAMMEL, HRH PRINCESS KEISHA OMILANA AND HRH PRINCE KUNLE OMILANA AT THE CIFFT AWARDS 2024 IN VALENCIA
The 36th iteration of the World Tourism Film Awards featured a remarkable selection of 27 productions from 16 countries, competing across five key categories: City Promotion, Region Promotion, Country Promotion, Tourism Products, and Tourism Services. The awards are informed by the CIFFT Rankings, which spotlight the most recognized tourism videos and campaigns worldwide, reflecting contemporary trends in the industry.
Switzerland Tourism notably triumphed with its film “The Ride of a Lifetime,” featuring tennis legend Roger Federer and comedian Trevor Noah. This campaign not only clinched the title of the World’s Best Tourism Film but also topped the Tourism Products category and won the inaugural CIFFT Tourism Press Award, as selected by an esteemed panel of international travel journalists. Additionally, Switzerland secured both the first and fifth positions in the Country Promotion category, showcasing its strong promotional efforts.
Other significant achievements included Visit Sweden’s campaign “Sweden (not Switzerland),” which earned second place in the Country Promotion category, and the Tourism Business Council of South Africa’s “Tourism in South Africa with Trevor Noah,” which took third. These campaigns effectively utilized humor to generate global interest in their destinations.
In the regional spotlight, Travel Alberta from Canada secured first place in the Region Promotion category and second in Tourism Products, showcasing the province’s stunning landscapes. Portugal was recognized for the second consecutive year as the most awarded country, with eight productions nominated for the World’s Best Tourism Films. Noteworthy contributions came from entities like Nazaré Municipality and the NURI Conservas Pinhais Co., with PORTUGALNTN, Lda. receiving the CIFFT “People’s Choice” Award.
The awards also acknowledged creative works from various entities, including Azerbaijan Airlines and the Slovenian Tourist Board, highlighting the global ingenuity within the tourism film sector.
CIFFT Director Alexander V. Kammel praised the exceptional creativity exhibited during this year’s awards, emphasizing the power of storytelling in tourism and its ability to inspire audiences worldwide. He also recognized the importance of hosting the event in Valencia, commending the resilience of its community.
Organized by the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) and supported by UN Tourism, the World Tourism Film Awards are a key feature of the CIFFT Circuit, which encompasses festivals from across the globe, including those in Cannes and New York. With over 4,000 entries submitted annually from more than 50 countries, excitement is already building for next year’s competition.
Following the awards ceremony, Their Royal Highnesses met with Alexander Kammel at Primus Hotel Valencia for an engaging discussion. During their conversation, they explored the mission of CIFFT and the operational strategies behind the festival’s categories.
Kammel elaborated on the meticulous selection process for judges, highlighting the qualifications required to ensure high standards in film evaluation. Each judge is assigned a specific number of films, allowing for comprehensive assessments of all entries.
The dialogue also touched on CIFFT’s commitment to sustainability and the importance of adopting greener practices in the tourism and audiovisual industries. Looking ahead, he introduced new partnerships, such as with Normmal, a creative agency based in Barcelona, and the addition of new Ambassadors who will support CIFFT in reaching new markets.
Additionally, the conversation delved into the complexities of celebrity collaborations in filmmaking, using Trevor Noah’s projects as a case study to illustrate how local cultural events can inspire creative storytelling.
Within this context, the film industry acts as a significant platform for individuals to showcase their talents and share their narratives. CIFFT plays a crucial role in enriching the experiences of tourism brands, creative agencies, and filmmakers, enhancing their visibility, and ensuring that the best tourism productions are recognized and celebrated.
From L-R: ALEXANDER V. KAMMEL, HRH PRINCESS KEISHA OMILANA AND HRH PRINCE KUNLE OMILANA AT PRIMUS HOTEL IN VALENCIA
The attire worn by HRH Princess Keisha Omilana in this article was designed by ISABEL SERRANO, A fashion designer based in Valencia
Despite the enthusiasm from filmmakers eager to showcase their work, challenges persist within the industry due to the current economic climate. Yet, the commitment to revitalizing Valencia remains strong, with CIFFT events serving as crucial catalysts for local engagement and tourism.
In conclusion, the exchange between HRH Princess Keisha Omilana and Alexander Kammel reflects a mutual commitment to nurturing creativity, sustainability, and community involvement in the film and tourism sectors. As CIFFT continues to adapt and innovate, its focus on recognizing artistic excellence and fostering positive change will remain central to its mission.
