Tourism revival not an overnight process

FRANK STEFFEN - The Namibia Tourism Expo was officially launched yesterday at the SKW sportsgrounds, and will keep its doors open until Saturday, 7 November. Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said he is glad Namibia has started reviving the industry.“We cannot sleep, we must get up early. So, it is good that Namibia does not wait – we need to continue and restart,” World Tourism Organisation secretary-general, Zurab Pololikashvili, said.Speaking at the launch, he promised to help Namibia in every way he can.Shifeta said the Covid-19 crisis is far from over and warrants urgent action on a national and international scale if countries want to avert further economic damage, with specific regard to the tourism sector. He warned that every tourism-related business has been affected and that “reopening and rebuilding destination Namibia is not something that can be done overnight”.SADCMeanwhile, Albe Botha, CEO of Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), thanked NMH’s co-sponsors Standard Bank Namibia and Vivo Energy, and emphasised: “Tourism requires considered efforts from all partners on an ongoing basis”.“Without this, reviving tourism will be difficult. A consistent message throughout the next two years will be critical for tourism to grow in Namibia first and foremost, but importantly for tourism in the SADC region to grow as well,” he said.Botha added that the 10 Degrees South expo will promote tourism in 10 SADC countries.TOOLKITShifeta praised all parties involved in organising the expo as well as those taking part. “Next month marks the start of the holiday season for many Namibians. I have observed that attractive holiday packages and specials are now on offer. I call on the tourism industry to still do more to incentivise Namibians and residents to embrace this opportunity to witness the unique and colourful vibrancy that Namibia offers, while celebrating the festive season to unwind from the stress caused by the lockdown and disruption to our normal ways.”As part of the expo, which boasts almost 100 stands, visitors will not only be able to visit hospitality industry stalls and tourism-related suppliers, but will have their pick of motoring representatives and entertainment too.All this while Covid-19 precautions will be adhered to.It thus made sense for Shifeta and Pololikashvili to jointly launch the ‘Tourism Safety Protocols and Guidelines Toolkit’, a handy guide for visitors on their way to Namibia.

Tourism revival not an overnight process

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