The Tourism Information Kiosk, a new initiative by the City of Windhoek, was officially launched at the Tourism Expo.
According to Louie van Wyk, Strategic Executive for Information Communication Technology (ICT), who officiated at the launch on behalf of Niilo Taapopi, CEO of the City of Windhoek, “The City conducted research and identified a lack in the provision of information to tourists and residents. It became imperative to look at different options of providing a 24-hour service to tourists and residents through the implementation of information kiosks.”
The primary objective of these kiosks is to effectively address the tourism and information needs of visitors to Windhoek. Visitors will be able to access information on a wide range of tourism products, including tourism information enquiries, accommodation, city tours, vehicle hire, entertainment, dining, sports, shopping, safety, travel tips and more. The system will allow for greater participation by the members of tourism associations, smaller establishments and BEEs in Namibia. Basic information will be available free of charge for members of the tourism sector and company-specific information can then be further increased at an extra cost. Louie said in addition, “The initiative, however, is not limited to tourism-related capabilities, but could incorporate other applications such as printing your water and electricity bill or other extended services, which would be in line with our mission to render and effective municipal services.”
The pilot project will be stationed at the Gustav Voigts Centre. The city is planning to erect more kiosks at other strategic points in the city, including Post Street Mall, Wernhil, Town Square, Maerua Mall and at the Windhoek International Airport. Kiosks can be upgraded with a thermal printer to allow visitors to print the information needed. (MvR) grace.kamuingona@windhoekcc.org.na
