The Honourable Prime Minister Nahas Angula opened the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (Fenata) this morning at Arebbusch Lodge. Other members joining the AGM were Netumba Nandi-Ndaitwah, the Honourable Minister of Environment and Tourism; Fenata CEO, Jackie Asheeke; the Chairperson of Fenata, Gielie van Zyl, and Almut Kronben from the Namibian Professional Hunting Association. The Prime Minister announced with joy that the industry was ready to share its benefits with the broader community because “a shared growth is what makes good corporate citizenship.” He believes that young people can benefit from this industry.
A few key issues needed attention, however, especially the unpredictable externalities of Air Namibia and the support of cultural tourism. Air Namibia faces stiff competition. Ticket prices are below the cost of recovery and Air Namibia is actually subsidising tourists to come to Namibia. Other problems Air Namibia has to deal with are the cost of fuel, currency fluctuations and flight charges. These charges can’t be controlled by Air Namibia. The Prime Minister suggested that a marginal increase to the tourism levy should enable the National Tourism Board to compensate Air Namibia for supporting tourism.
During a question-and-answer session between the Prime Minister and the various tourism associations, it became clear that heads would have to be put together to attract direct flights from abroad.
To support cultural tourism, communities adjacent to national parks would benefit greatly if they were allocated cultural areas. They could entertain tourists and places could be set up where traditional food could be served, he said. Village tours could be organised by tour companies and locals could share their culture and history with the tourists. “A town like Omuthiya, which is on the border of the Etosha National Park, could be a bridge between cultural and eco-tourism.”
Another problem that required attention was the safety of tourists. He said that because Namibia was so vast, it was dangerous for tourists going on self-drives as they might encounter problems or need some sort of assistance. Angula brought it to the attention of all the associations that they should have adequate security measures in place.
Although the tourism industry had been negatively affected by the global economic downturn, Namibia was still, “a land of stunning beauty, scenic contrasts and a diversity of fauna and flora,” he said. Namibia offers wide-open spaces, fresh air, peace and stability. “These remain our assets as far as tourism is concerned.” Angula is hopeful that the industry will pick up again and grow in leaps and bounds.
During his speech the Prime Minister mentioned that the sector had contracted by 10 per cent in 2009 and that international tourist arrivals had declined by 4.6 per cent compared to 2008. The effect the Soccer World Cup was having on tourism was currently being assessed. Low-budget tourists couldn’t consider Namibia as a travel destination, due to the appreciation of the Namibia dollar.
The Prime Minister was thanked for his continued support in the past years according to Jackie Asheeke, CEO of Fenata, they are fortunate to have him.
