NWR must take MET and NTB on
WILFRED WEISE WRITES:
The response of Ms Zelna Hengari dated 11 July 2017 ("Let us keep the discussion going") to my letter “The best plan for tourism“ is appreciated.
Firstly it should be clear that my response was addressed on a much broader basis and not just aimed at NWR. NWR is not an independent entity in the whole tourism industry and plays only a small part in the total Namibian tourism industry.
It is correct by saying that NWR's main responsibility is to run the tourism facilities of MET inside National Parks which includes customer care and the maintaining of those accommodation facilities. However if the access roads to those high tourism spots are not properly maintained and repaired inside these national parks then I believe NWR should address these shortcomings with MET.
If the Ministry is not conducting its responsibilities and securing a high maintenance standard, that will have a direct impact on the operational running of NWR. So, as you can see the one is interlinked to the other.
Already a new mistake was made recently and mainly due to poor decisions taken. First you uplift your correct shortcomings in the industry and then you increase the tourism levies as announced by NTB. Now we request more money from the accommodation establishments but the standards of particularly NWR stayed the same. That decision leaves the impression and perception that private establishments should pay more levies so that NWR can uplift its standards.
This is wrong decisions taken with a wrong timing.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As said before, tourism starts at the airport and that first impression of our Namibian tour guides can make or break a very important industry. So, someone should come up with a proper code of conduct for tour guides and ensure that it is professionally maintained.
The Ministry should play a leading role and direct all role players to specific aims and objectives. NTB should ensure that tour guides and tour operators are properly registered. Illegal operators should be identified and sanctioned.
A clear distinction should also be made between a tour operator and a shuttle service. It is not the same at all but many shuttle services run tours also today. Many shuttle services are registered as a shuttle service and tours and that is displayed like that on their vehicles.
If NTB regard that as the same service then they make a big mistake.
Namibian tourism is through taxation a big provider to the state coffers but then all role players should comply with a high standard of service, customer care and facilitation. As also said before, Namibia is not cheap anymore and therefore value for money from all corners should not be overlooked. Ensure proper training of staff and professionalism in our operations and Namibia will still go a far way to attract even more foreign tourists.
The response of Ms Zelna Hengari dated 11 July 2017 ("Let us keep the discussion going") to my letter “The best plan for tourism“ is appreciated.
Firstly it should be clear that my response was addressed on a much broader basis and not just aimed at NWR. NWR is not an independent entity in the whole tourism industry and plays only a small part in the total Namibian tourism industry.
It is correct by saying that NWR's main responsibility is to run the tourism facilities of MET inside National Parks which includes customer care and the maintaining of those accommodation facilities. However if the access roads to those high tourism spots are not properly maintained and repaired inside these national parks then I believe NWR should address these shortcomings with MET.
If the Ministry is not conducting its responsibilities and securing a high maintenance standard, that will have a direct impact on the operational running of NWR. So, as you can see the one is interlinked to the other.
Already a new mistake was made recently and mainly due to poor decisions taken. First you uplift your correct shortcomings in the industry and then you increase the tourism levies as announced by NTB. Now we request more money from the accommodation establishments but the standards of particularly NWR stayed the same. That decision leaves the impression and perception that private establishments should pay more levies so that NWR can uplift its standards.
This is wrong decisions taken with a wrong timing.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
As said before, tourism starts at the airport and that first impression of our Namibian tour guides can make or break a very important industry. So, someone should come up with a proper code of conduct for tour guides and ensure that it is professionally maintained.
The Ministry should play a leading role and direct all role players to specific aims and objectives. NTB should ensure that tour guides and tour operators are properly registered. Illegal operators should be identified and sanctioned.
A clear distinction should also be made between a tour operator and a shuttle service. It is not the same at all but many shuttle services run tours also today. Many shuttle services are registered as a shuttle service and tours and that is displayed like that on their vehicles.
If NTB regard that as the same service then they make a big mistake.
Namibian tourism is through taxation a big provider to the state coffers but then all role players should comply with a high standard of service, customer care and facilitation. As also said before, Namibia is not cheap anymore and therefore value for money from all corners should not be overlooked. Ensure proper training of staff and professionalism in our operations and Namibia will still go a far way to attract even more foreign tourists.
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