Henties Bay ready to host
The minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, inaugurated the new Henties Bay Tourism Centre on Friday.
Shefeta said the N$8.1 million construction of the centre was a step in the right direction and that it could not have come at a better time.
“The centre will add value and improve the accessibility of information and services required by tourists. It will contribute to the overall tourism growth of the town of Henties Bay, the coast and the country at large.
“Increased investment in the tourism arena must be encouraged as there is huge scope for growth and potential for this sector to contribute to the economic development of this town.” The minister said that proper equipped tourism centres are a vital part of visitors’ experience and a major component of the tourist information network.
“Tourism has potential to contribute significantly to the social upliftment and economic standards of Namibians through the creation of jobs, especially for the semi-skilled and unskilled, and to alleviate poverty.”
He said the cabinet recently approved the National Sustainable Tourism Growth Strategy and the Tourism Profile and Investment Strategy, which call for collective efforts to make Namibia a preferred destination worldwide. The strategies outline initiatives that seek to complement existing efforts in ensuring that visiting tourists receive the best Namibian experience.
The minister urged residents and stakeholders of Henties Bay to work harmoniously together and ensure that such experiences are created. He also discouraged elements which tarnish the images of the country and those wanting to jeopardise efforts in growing the tourism sector.
“There are individuals or groups that have made a reputation for violating our tourists. This has far-reaching consequences in our aspirations as a sector and Namibia as a destination. Violence is not an experience we want to create for our tourists.” Shifeta also informed those present that the grace period for persons undertaking activities listed in the Environment Management Act came to an end last month. He advised that local authorities employ environmental practitioners to assist councils in the implementation of the Act.
OTIS FINCK
Shefeta said the N$8.1 million construction of the centre was a step in the right direction and that it could not have come at a better time.
“The centre will add value and improve the accessibility of information and services required by tourists. It will contribute to the overall tourism growth of the town of Henties Bay, the coast and the country at large.
“Increased investment in the tourism arena must be encouraged as there is huge scope for growth and potential for this sector to contribute to the economic development of this town.” The minister said that proper equipped tourism centres are a vital part of visitors’ experience and a major component of the tourist information network.
“Tourism has potential to contribute significantly to the social upliftment and economic standards of Namibians through the creation of jobs, especially for the semi-skilled and unskilled, and to alleviate poverty.”
He said the cabinet recently approved the National Sustainable Tourism Growth Strategy and the Tourism Profile and Investment Strategy, which call for collective efforts to make Namibia a preferred destination worldwide. The strategies outline initiatives that seek to complement existing efforts in ensuring that visiting tourists receive the best Namibian experience.
The minister urged residents and stakeholders of Henties Bay to work harmoniously together and ensure that such experiences are created. He also discouraged elements which tarnish the images of the country and those wanting to jeopardise efforts in growing the tourism sector.
“There are individuals or groups that have made a reputation for violating our tourists. This has far-reaching consequences in our aspirations as a sector and Namibia as a destination. Violence is not an experience we want to create for our tourists.” Shifeta also informed those present that the grace period for persons undertaking activities listed in the Environment Management Act came to an end last month. He advised that local authorities employ environmental practitioners to assist councils in the implementation of the Act.
OTIS FINCK
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