Showcasing Namibia to the Italians (01.03.2010)
NTB Rome, Air Namibia and Sense of Africa hosted a group of Italian tour operators in Namibia from 19–27 January 2010, showcasing the Kalahari, Etosha, Waterberg, Swakopmund and Sossusvlei. The trip targeted decision-makers of leading Italian outbound tour operators selling the destination but who had not been to the destination before or who were in the process of developing their Namibia portfolio.
NTB New Integrated Website (01.03.2010)
Through the Millennium Challenge Account, MMG Worldwide, a US-based marketing communications firm working exclusively with premier travel, hospitality and entertainment companies, has been appointed to develop a fully integrated website for the NTB.
Hilton Worldwide comes to Namibia (01.03.2010)
The international five-star hotel brand, Hilton Worldwide, will open its first Namibian hotel before the end of this year. This will bring Hilton Worldwide one step closer to realising its goal of having a hotel in every capital city of the world.
BoBo Campers and Tourism Holdings Rental SA (01.03.2010) The face behind the business
When Willemina (Wil) Bouwers first came to Southern Africa in 1985 on holiday from the Netherlands, she had no idea what a life-changing experience it would be. “From the first time I set foot in Southern Africa, I knew it was where I wanted to be.”
Namibia recognised as global example (01.01.2010)
The importance of ‘learning journeys’ has been officially recognised by Travel + Leisure magazine, a renowned international publication with a US circulation of close to a million, when it presented the prestigious ‘Global Vision Awards’ with the slogan ‘Here’s to those who make a difference’ to the Northern Great Plains Restoration Project of the Grassland Foundation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
BEE upliftment drive (01.01.2010)
Five Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies were selected through a transparent and fair process to represent Namibia and more specifically the BEE sector internationally. The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), in partnership with Air Namibia, is conducting this pilot BEE Mini Road Show to Germany and Switzerland during November.
NCA keeps fires burning (01.01.2010)
Chefs are a vital ingredient in the tourism and social industries and are often overlooked in the important role which they play.
Museum and tourism sectors join hands (01.01.2010)
The Museum Association of Namibia (MAN) recently introduced new museum initiatives, amongst others an update on plans for the museum at the old workers’ compounds in Walvis Bay, which will focus on the history of apartheid and the migrant labour system in Namibia, and the Muyondo gwaKapande Cultural Village project.
Message from the Finnish Embassy (01.01.2010)
Dear reader of Travel News Namibia:
Although Finland and Namibia have a great deal of shared history, starting in the year 1869 when the first Finnish missionaries arrived in the country, there has not been notable tourism and travel between the two countries.
The Finnish connection with Gathemann (01.01.2010)
While in Finland during 2008, Urs Gamma, well-known Namibian chef and owner of Gathemann Restaurant, met Finnish chef, Gero Hottinger of the Helsinki Culinary Institute, and invited him to Namibia. During Finnish week, which was held in April 2009, Gero taught the chefs at Gathemann the true cuisine of his home country, while learning typical Namibian dishes in exchange. “Such an exchange of different cuisines is important and should be fostered,” said Gero. In an effort to boost trade between Namibia and Finland, the Ministers of Trade and Industry and Environment and Industry invited a number of Finnish business delegates to Namibia. (MvR)
MATKA Nordic Travel Fair 2010 (01.01.2010) Travel as a preserver of culture
“Although Namibia is a country that is not really known in Scandinavia except for the past political ties we share with Finland and Sweden, we are optimistic that with regular attendance and promotion at MATKA, Namibia will slowly become known and more and more Finns and other Scandinavians will consider Namibia as a potential holiday destination,” says Puye Hilokuah of Okaume Travel.
Sweden meets Namibia (01.01.2010)
Africa is the latest exciting destination on the Scandinavian traveller’s list, and Namibia – being one of those magical places where the desert meets the ocean and elephants secretly appear without a sound – is becoming more popular by the day. But we need to work on our marketing, because Namibia won’t sell itself.
Western entrance gate and new NWR lodge for Etosha planned (01.11.2009)
A fourth public entrance gate into the Etosha National Park will open up the western section of the park for the public for the first time and a fifth NWR lodge will be developed in the area to provide for an expected increase in the number of visitors. Currently the 22 000-km2 park provides only 482 beds.
Mola-Mola Safaris (01.11.2009) Well-known company sold to new owners
Over the past 15 years, Mola-Mola initiators, Neels and Megan Dreyer, have built Mola-Mola from scratch to the booming company it is today. Mola-Mola is now owned by Pieter and Marinda Pretorius, who are no strangers in the tourism sector. The Pretorius’s also own !Uris Safari Lodge, just outside Tsumeb, and although they have taken on a big job with Mola-Mola Safaris, Megan and Neels are confident that they will continue to keep the company’s name high. The Dreyers still retain a small share of the business, but are no longer involved in its day-to-day running, or ‘answering the telephone’, as Megan puts it. The Dreyers are also still part-time owners, with their son and daughter-in-law of Sandwich Harbour 4x4, which keeps them connected to the industry.
Swakop Hotel renovations (01.11.2009)
The Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre is undergoing refurbishments and renovations and will have new splendour by the end of 2009.
Protea Hotels opens lodge near Sossusvlei (01.11.2009)
United African Hospitality recently announced the opening of the 13th property in the Protea Hotels portfolio before the end of 2009.
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa (01.11.2009) A new promise fulfilled
/Ai-/Ais Hot Springs Spa was re-opened to the public in August. The NWR facility, situated at the southern end of the world-renowned Fish River Canyon (distinguished as the second-largest canyon in the world), had been closed for much-needed infrastructural changes. The facility is set inside the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park – an area that flanks the Orange River on both sides, embraces two nationalities, covers two deserts and enjoys world acclaim for its rich plant diversity.
Kempinski Mokuti Lodge (01.11.2009) Blending European hospitality with local flair
As the amber-red sun sinks into a dry blonde eastern Etosha landscape, steenbok and dik-dik graze on the verges of the golden light; and the road winds its way into the impressive high-roofed thatched entrance of the Kempinski Mokuti Lodge.
/Ai /Ais is open for visitors! (01.09.2009) One of Namibia’s
best-known tourist destinations is operational again after almost two years of
extensive renovations, upgrading and redevelopment. In future it will be
marketed as the /Ai /Ais Hot Springs Spa, part of Namibia Wildlife Resorts’
portfolio of facilities located inside national parks.
National tourism policy is in place (01.09.2009) It took years to
finalise, but the policy that will bring about ‘prudent conduct in the tourism
sector and provide a course in an administrative system in the management of
tourism activities’ is finally launched. read more >
KAZA a reality in April 2010 (01.09.2009) A transfrontier
park that will bind Namibia to her four northern neighbours, forming one of the
largest conservation areas in the world, is expected to be a reality in April
2010 when Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Angola sign the final
agreement for KAZA. read more >
Boundless Southern Africa Expedition (01.09.2009) Promoting TFCAs in time for 2010
A Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) is defined as an area straddling two or more international borders where the natural and cultural resources are collaboratively managed by the governments or authorities involved.
Safari Court opens Wellness Centre and Spa (01.09.2009)
During May, at the Namibia Tourism Expo, Namibia’s biggest annual tourism event, the 4-star Safari Court Hotel in Windhoek extended its services by opening the Safari Wellness Centre and Oukolele Day Spa.
MET brochures and fact sheets launch (01.09.2009)
Thirteen brochures and 22 fact sheets were launched to provide information and educate visitors to Namibia’s national parks and create awareness of the country’s scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural diversity.
HAN mentors the young (01.09.2009)
The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) has committed itself to running two projects to increase awareness of the importance of the tourism industry among Namibians, and to strengthen the base and skills of those involved in this exciting industry.
ETEA speaks for emerging tourism enterprises (01.09.2009)
The Emerging Tourism Enterprises Association (ETEA)- was introduced to the tourism sector at this year’s Namibia Tourism Expo. ETEA was established to provide assistance and support to one another by fellow emerging tourism businesses that are faced with similar challenges to sustain their businesses and make them profitable in a highly competitive market. ETEA is a member of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) and is recognised by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (MET).
Naua Naua Game Lodge (01.09.2009) New owners and an upgrade
In February 2009 Gecko Lodges took over Naua Naua Game Lodge bordering Etosha from Thomas and Annette Schaefer. The new owners have done extensive renovations and are planning further upgrades for next year.
Space is a luxury and at Wolwedans one finds it in abundance. Recent changes to the Dune Camp and Dunes Lodge are making the most of this space and the spectacular scenery it holds. At Dune Camp, new, larger tents are being erected, while at Dunes Lodge the changes at first appear subtler, but they are all designed to add to the comfort and satisfaction of the guest.
BüllsPort extends facilities (01.09.2009)
The accommodation facilities at BüllsPort Guest Farm were recently extended and upgraded. Bordering the Namib-Naukluft Park, BüllsPort offers the perfect setting from where to enjoy the Naukluft experience. The establishment is well known for its family-integrated farm hospitality.
HAN Mentorship Programme (20.05.2009)
As part of its commitment to the Tourism Transformation Charter designed by the Tourism Industry in 2004, the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) has launched a mentorship programme.
Karibu nominated for Good Safari Guide Awards (20.05.2009)
Leading tour operator in mobile safaris for Namibia and Botswana, Karibu Safari, has been nominated for the 2009 Good Safari Guide Awards.
New identity for Omba Arts Trust (20.05.2009)
The Namibian Omba Arts Trust recently launched its latest product – a very impressive website. “The aim with the website is to give the Trust an identity and a brand,” says volunteer craft facilitator, Candia Diggle. Operations manager Saar Maritz adds, “The website should show our partners and the public what we’re all about.”
TASA announces Corporate Membership category (20.05.2009)
The Namibian Tour and Safari Association (TASA) recently announced its new Corporate Membership category. “The development of small and medium enterprises is an important component in poverty reduction.
