NACSO attended the launch of the Diamond Winner Draw and the Tourism Expo held at the Windhoek Country Club. The Hon. Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism launched the Tourism Expo under the theme “Beyond Borders” which will promote the KAZA landscape which comprises of a unique conservation area that spans over Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The launch of the expo coincided with World Tourism Day, celebrated under the theme “Tourism and green investment” calling on investment in people, planet, and tourism.
The event was a united commitment to present Namibia’s tourism industry in its best light. The Tourism Expo aligns its vision with regional integration by marketing Namibian tourism with that of other countries in the entire Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) region. The introduction of a single visa for the SADC region is a bold step towards this goal, making it easier for tourists to explore neighbouring countries.
Our region is blessed with natural wonders, and the Zambezi River plays a pivotal role in this. It provides vital migratory routes for wildlife and is a shared treasure among nations. The tourism industry is a cornerstone of Namibia’s economy, employing approximately 100,000 people and contributing significantly to our GDP. The spotlight on this industry is well-deserved, as it continues to be the fastest-growing sector in our country.
In his address, Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Hon. Pohamba Shifeta, emphasised the need for innovative ideas that focus on prosperity for both our people and our planet. He called for unity around new tourism investments, aligning our strategies to promote cross-border tourism.
There was a call for organisations to unite and embrace the boundless opportunities presented by Namibia’s tourism sector because together, we can continue to shape our nation’s destiny as a global destination of choice.
Mark your calendars: Next year’s Tourism Expo is slated for April 24-27, 2024. Let us continue to innovate, market widely, and hold hands as stakeholders to create platforms that showcase Namibia’s unparalleled beauty and potential to the world.
