At the official launch of the annual Namibia Tourism Expo, currently in its 11th year, the Minister of Tourism, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, proudly announced: “It is gratifying to see that the Expo has become a national tourism event presenting a platform where both international and domestic tourism is encouraged.”
“It is imperative that any tourism product on offer in Namibia is developed from the perspective of the consumer. We need to understand the tourists and the industry. We need to be proactive in identifying their needs in good time, and respond accordingly. Tourism and tourists are dynamic in their very nature and we need to find and sharpen our competitive edge at all times. Being competitive means being a few steps ahead of our competitors in all we have to offer. The Namibian Tourism Expo offers the right platform for these sellers to meet with their buyers; for new enterprises to meet with industry gurus, to learn the tricks of the trade and improve their business success; and for local people to be given an appetiser of the beauty of this country and go on holiday locally, these becoming domestic tourists.”
She urged the industry to work towards growing and developing the domestic section of tourism, keeping in mind the reality of the world-wide economic crisis of 2009. “The angle of domestic tourism needs to be strengthened if we want to achieve greater heights and keep the industry going throughout the year and in difficult times internationally.”
Digu //Naobeb, CEO of the Namibian Tourism Board, added that the Tourism Expo provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase the quality and variety of tourism products in Namibia and the SADC region. “This year, exhibitors have again responded in impressive numbers. I believe there are a total of 455 exhibitors, including SADC and international countries. SADC regions, this year, are well represented in the form of Zimbabwe with a sizeable entourage of 13 delegates, Botswana, Northern Cape, Limpopo and so forth. Equally, the NTB has lined up about 90 international travel-trade operators from about 20 countries across the globe, ranging from Angola, Zambia, Hong Kong, China, USA, Germany, UK, Nordic and Baltic countries, to name a few.”
The Minister concluded that tourism was an engine for economic development, in particular for rural development. Tourism can contribute to job creation and poverty alleviation. She called on the Namibian tourism sector to strengthen its role in national economic development. “We need a common vision and clearly defined strategy to achieve this broad national responsibility. Furthermore, “Networks are of great importance to this sector. We should continue to nurture them during this year’s Expo.” (MvR)
