Jakarta – The pandemic situation did not hinder students from working virtually. Faculty of Communication students in Marketing concentration once again held an annual event, Marketing Communication Showcase 2021 entitled, “VIRAL (Virtual Travel): Smart and Safe Travel” with a special theme “Creativity in Pandemic”. This event consists of several series of events, starting with the #LSPRmakeitVIRAL competition on Instagram and the VIRAL Webinar on Saturday, 10 July 2021 at 13.00 – 15.00, through zoom.

Uncertainty in a pandemic situation creates anxieties in the community. One of them is, people miss traveling. This situation attracted the attention of Marketing Students to organise a virtual vacation. Through the VIRAL Live Webinar, there will be a traveling video screening with the production and plan concept that involves MKT 22-1 SP & MKT 22-1 TP students. It is expected that the webinar’s participants as if they are visiting and experiencing the sightseeing in the tourist locations in the video. Making this pre-event video is intended to help promote tourist attractions, culinary places, and lodging around the West Java area, as well as to socialise how to travel safely and comfortably (Smart and Safe Travel) in the midst of a pandemic.

Mr. Ari Juliano Gema shared about preparation for adaptation of new habits in Parekraf.

In this Live Webinar, we were presenting Mr. Ari Juliano Gema (Staf Ahli Bidang Reformasi Birokrasi dan Regulasi di Badan Pariwisata dan Ekonomi Kreatif). In addition, this Live Webinar was also attended by Rikas Harsa, a celebrity traveler who was once a presenter of the popular TV Show “My Trip My Adventure” and participated as a talent in making pre-event video. This Live Webinar discussed the condition and recovery of tourism while still paying attention to health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“In a pandemic situation, the world seems to have stopped and all of our activities have shifted to online. Schools, lectures, and work, of course, will continue even though it requires people to stay at home. Of course, it is difficult for us to travel freely because of social restrictions that must be adhered together. We chose the Virtual Travel theme, where we can refresh our eyes and minds through VIRAL events. At this event, we also provided tips and tricks when traveling while adhering to health and safety protocols. Of course, for those of us who are in the Greater Jakarta area, there are many recreational areas that can be visited in the West Java area, precisely in the Puncak and Bogor areas. The VIRAL event also invited a well-known guest star, Rikas Harsa, an actor who enjoys adventure and loves nature. Therefore, I hope that this event can entertain and inspire young people during the pandemic,” said Billy Alexander as the Head of the VIRAL Smart and Safe Travel event.

Rikas Harsa, a celebrity traveler invited as a guest star

In addition to the talk show, there was also an announcement of an instagram competition with the hashtag #LSPRMakeItViral that is related to tourist attractions that are instagramable but not yet known to many people (hidden gems). The selection of winners was also carried out based on the criteria for the most interesting and unique tourist attractions followed by descriptive captions and based on the personal experiences of the competition participants. This event was enlivened with a special performance by one of the Student Affairs Units, LSPR Band.

“I believe that the best lessons are not obtained just by hearing and seeing, but from experience. As a Marketing Communication Showcase Lecturer who accompanies and witnesses how these students continue to become creative and persistent people throughout the preparation of this VIRAL event, I really hope this event can really convey a positive message to the community that the pandemic is not a barrier for us to continue making creations. Moreover, each of us is required to be more creative and increase our capacity so that we can get through this pandemic together. So if you feel inspired, make sure that you are a part of “VIRAL (Virtual Travel): Smart and Safe Travel” on Saturday, 10 July 2021 at 13.00.” said Ms. Mary Lemona, Lecturer in Marketing Showcase. She also emphasised that VIRAL has many unique features because this year, even though it is virtual, students are still creative in educating and promoting Indonesian tourism, especially in West Java.