Africa-Press – Namibia. The Namibia Wildlife Resort and the Namibia Tourism Board have worked closely with the ministry of tourism on strategies that will push for solutions for the troubled tourism industry, and has already done some community work that will have a lasting positive impact on the local economy, mainly through education and food security programmes.
A good example that Namibia could imitate is the ‘Year of Return’, Ghana’s 2019 initiative to attract foreign visitors, which proved to be a success. That year alone, Ghana experienced a 45% surge in visitors as compared to 2018. As claimed by their minister of tourism, Barbara Oteng Gyasi, the set plan had raked in approximately US$1.9bn into the economy.
In line with this, from the outset of 2020, the country’s travel industry anticipated even more growth. The negative impact has been significant, but the pandemic has also provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to think creatively and find solutions to some of the obstacles that have arisen.
A great example: ‘Encounter Ghana’ is creating an innovative technology solution for the tourism sector to better the utilisation of advanced technology in tourism.
The impacts of the pandemic on the tourism industry cannot be overlooked. The UN World Tourism Organisation has reported that international arrivals were down 74% worldwide through 2020, and that up to 100 million jobs were put at risk.
Since the outbreak emerged, governments have been forced to splurge large amounts of funding into the health sector, leaving other strategic sectors to fall short in the budget of the country. Funds allocated to the most lucrative sector that contributes the most towards the GDP of Namibia (tourism and mining) have been cut and allocated to the covid relief plan.
Namibia recorded only 169 565 international tourists for 2020, according to the annual National Tourists Arrival Statistics report and a loss of over 1 000 jobs, with some establishments having closed completely, while others have not opened, and some are gradually opening. Over 1.68 million foreign tourists visited Namibia in 2019.
“By travelling within the country and spending money at local restaurants and hospitality establishments, it will help save the industry. Government will continue to support the tourism sector to boost the economy and save jobs and livelihoods,” noted minister of tourism Pohamba Shifeta at the launch of the report. Another area of concern is the increased cost of travelling, such as the implemented system that requires all incoming tourists to carry out a Covid-19 test at a fee ranging from N$750 to N$1 500.
This has discouraged a few individuals, and it is a current concern. Many lodges and guesthouses accumulated debts (in taxes and levies) due to the lack of business activity.
The bills skyrocketed and lack of income has resulted in many owners facing bankruptcy and the fear of having to dispose of the property. Surely, the first six months of the outbreak saw several owners itching to sell.
Organisations such as the NWR and privately-owned resorts are essential for economic recovery. The business model is based on supporting the local economy by locals supporting local resorts to sustain them.
As new ways are being created to address new and old challenges in this dented tourism industry, much remains hopeful – and perhaps the silver lining for our Namibians to finally appreciate the beauty that Namibia has to offer to its people.
Frans Kwala, founder of Riverside lodge, said the establishment is designed to ensure both local and international guests take in magnificent river views from every corner whilst enjoying the peaceful ambience surrounding the lodge.
The magnificently kept Riverside lodge, a Namibian Tourism Board registered entity, provides adventure and activities designed to enjoy Katima Mulilo as well as conference facilities. Riverside Lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, which overlooks Hippo Island, and it is situated approximately 5km from Katima Mulilo.
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