Showcasing Namibia through planned adventures
Connecting travellers to the locals
Brothers Tomas and Ignatius Shahonya jointly founded a travel agency in 2020 known as Mariba Travels.
Aiming to provide extensive local knowledge and expertise and founded by two brothers who are well-versed in the country's geography, culture, wildlife and attractions, Mariba Travels specialises in creating tailor-made experiences that cater to the specific interests, preferences and budgets of individual travellers.
Owned by brothers Tomas and Ignatius Shahonya, the agency goes beyond standard itineraries to offer unique and customised trips, ensuring that clients have unforgettable experiences in Namibia. They promote responsible travel and eco-friendly accommodation.
Tomas said Namibia is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Mariba Travels focuses on offering off-the-beaten-path adventures and experiences where travellers are taken to experience the lesser-known destinations. Intimate encounters with nature and wildlife make their services unique.
Even though the business considers dealing with different people a challenging experience, Mariba Travels offers excellent customer service to ensure relationships are preserved and that their customers get unique experiences. Prompt communication and going the extra mile to ensure that clients have a seamless and memorable travel experience are some of the ways to get this done.
Showcasing Namibia
Tomas said Namibia is home to several indigenous people and Mariba Travels emphasises cultural immersion. This is done by providing opportunities for travellers to engage with local communities.
As the travel agent, he is responsible for travel planning, customer service, research on adventures, organising travel documentation and problem-solving.
He added that Namibia's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy and a popular destination for travellers seeking unique and diverse experiences. The agency has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices to keep unity in tourism.
The co-founders consider empowering each other as essential to foster a positive and productive work environment. That would therefore be through encouraging open communication, promoting collaboration, delegating responsibilities, recognising and appreciating achievements and leading by example, among others.
Moving forward
Growth remains part of the agency’s strategy to expand. The brothers said they looks forward to boosting sales and generating revenue; enhancing customer satisfaction; expanding their client base and monitoring industry trends. The agency also seeks to offer more unique and tailored experiences that showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Establishing a strong online presence and offering clients’ safety and flexibility are important to the founders.
Ups and downs
Tomas said business is full of inconveniences, which means saving up money to keep the business alive is essential. Competition will always arise, but can be overcome by being unique to offer something different.
Customer expectations are another challenge, because they all have different preferences and demands. This Mariba Travels overcomes by listening to and understanding their clients’ needs or requests. Time management can also become a challenge.
Other challenges faced include logistics, especially for first-time visitors.
“A unique travel agency excels in handling logistics efficiently, ensuring the safety and comfort of travellers throughout their journey,” Tomas said.
One of the major highlights of the agency is to allow the clients to explore the landscapes of nature.
“Travelling is therapeutic and that alone is unique and fun,” he said.
Accomplishments for the agency come from collaborations and partnerships; acquiring destination knowledge; being recognised in the industry; witnessing clientele loyalty through positive feedback and testimonials.
Tomas advised youth who wish to take on entrepreneurship to “put your whole self into it".
"Start and know why you started.”
About Tomas:
Loves to travel
He enjoys reading
He likes to go swimming
He is a community volunteer
Enjoys photography
Owned by brothers Tomas and Ignatius Shahonya, the agency goes beyond standard itineraries to offer unique and customised trips, ensuring that clients have unforgettable experiences in Namibia. They promote responsible travel and eco-friendly accommodation.
Tomas said Namibia is known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Mariba Travels focuses on offering off-the-beaten-path adventures and experiences where travellers are taken to experience the lesser-known destinations. Intimate encounters with nature and wildlife make their services unique.
Even though the business considers dealing with different people a challenging experience, Mariba Travels offers excellent customer service to ensure relationships are preserved and that their customers get unique experiences. Prompt communication and going the extra mile to ensure that clients have a seamless and memorable travel experience are some of the ways to get this done.
Showcasing Namibia
Tomas said Namibia is home to several indigenous people and Mariba Travels emphasises cultural immersion. This is done by providing opportunities for travellers to engage with local communities.
As the travel agent, he is responsible for travel planning, customer service, research on adventures, organising travel documentation and problem-solving.
He added that Namibia's tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country's economy and a popular destination for travellers seeking unique and diverse experiences. The agency has made efforts to promote sustainable tourism practices to keep unity in tourism.
The co-founders consider empowering each other as essential to foster a positive and productive work environment. That would therefore be through encouraging open communication, promoting collaboration, delegating responsibilities, recognising and appreciating achievements and leading by example, among others.
Moving forward
Growth remains part of the agency’s strategy to expand. The brothers said they looks forward to boosting sales and generating revenue; enhancing customer satisfaction; expanding their client base and monitoring industry trends. The agency also seeks to offer more unique and tailored experiences that showcase the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage. Establishing a strong online presence and offering clients’ safety and flexibility are important to the founders.
Ups and downs
Tomas said business is full of inconveniences, which means saving up money to keep the business alive is essential. Competition will always arise, but can be overcome by being unique to offer something different.
Customer expectations are another challenge, because they all have different preferences and demands. This Mariba Travels overcomes by listening to and understanding their clients’ needs or requests. Time management can also become a challenge.
Other challenges faced include logistics, especially for first-time visitors.
“A unique travel agency excels in handling logistics efficiently, ensuring the safety and comfort of travellers throughout their journey,” Tomas said.
One of the major highlights of the agency is to allow the clients to explore the landscapes of nature.
“Travelling is therapeutic and that alone is unique and fun,” he said.
Accomplishments for the agency come from collaborations and partnerships; acquiring destination knowledge; being recognised in the industry; witnessing clientele loyalty through positive feedback and testimonials.
Tomas advised youth who wish to take on entrepreneurship to “put your whole self into it".
"Start and know why you started.”
About Tomas:
Loves to travel
He enjoys reading
He likes to go swimming
He is a community volunteer
Enjoys photography
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Namibian Sun
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