Celebrate heritage, boost tourism – NTB

Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) member Rachel Nathaniel-Koch has emphasised the vital role of heritage among communities and the tourism sector.She underlined that thousands of Namibians are employed at tourism sites across Namibia.Nathaniel-Koch made these remarks over the weekend during the official launch of the annual Etotha Carnival at the Kangonde salt pan in Onanke village, Oshikoto Region.“Heritage is an integral part of every community, and it is there in the places where we live, work and visit,” she said.“It provides employment for thousands of people, as well as learning, training and volunteering opportunities for thousands more.“It is part of what makes this country so attractive to international tourists. We must continue to make the case for heritage and demonstrate how investing in our heritage and historic environment benefits our economy, our communities, our well-being and our quality of life,” she said.Explore historyThe annual Etotha Carnival, which concluded on Monday, is aimed at safeguarding the rich history of the salt pans and improving the lives of communities in the surrounding area.Nathaniel-Koch said the Etotha Carnival marks the beginning of a national initiative to promote cultural diversity and boost domestic tourism. She also said heritage conservation is a priority for government. “This year, the government has allocated additional resources for strengthening the protection, promotion and transmission of intangible cultural heritage, exploring the expansion of the history of the Aawambo, making sustained efforts in advancing the importance of cultural knowledge,” Nathaniel-Koch said.Discovering the wonders of Namibia Nathaniel-Koch said local tourism plays a vital role in the country&#039;s economy. “Our industry relies on domestic tourism as its bedrock. It serves as the heartbeat that sustains our hospitality sector and supports local businesses, and generates employment opportunities for our people. Domestic tourism has seen a remarkable resurgence,” she said.“When we choose to explore the wonders of our own land, we not only discover the breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures that define us but also contribute significantly to our nation’s economic prosperity. The impact of domestic tourism on our economy cannot be underestimated," she underlined. “By exploring the wonders of all our other beautiful regions, we discover the threads that weave us together, regardless of our backgrounds or languages. Our unity in diversity becomes a lived reality.”kenya@namibiansun.com

Celebrate heritage, boost tourism – NTB

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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Celebrate heritage, boost tourism – NTB

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-19

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