Tourism industry thrives despite recession
Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta says the tourism industry is thriving in spite of the continuing recession gripping the Namibian economy.
He was speaking at the opening of the new Windhoek Palm Hotel.
“The Namibian tourism industry continues to demonstrate its amazing ability to contribute to the Namibian economy,” he said.
He encouraged the tourism industry to continue addressing issues that hamper the growth and development of local and international tourism.
“The domestic market should be seen as a potential opportunity to relieve the pressure of the economic downturn, and needs to develop packages geared towards the domestic market,” said Shifeta.
He said accommodation was a fundamental element of the tourism product offering and that the availability of accommodation establishments was, therefore, an essential requirement for tourism growth.
“This, in turn, directly influences the ability of destinations to survive in an increasingly competitive international tourism market. The success of destinations is largely dependent upon the quality development of the accommodation sector,” said Shifeta.
The Windhoek Palm Hotel can accommodate 160 guests and currently employs 26 people. The owners aim to increase the workforce to 50 in the future.
“I am convinced that tourism will remain a key pillar for Namibia in terms of skills development, job creation, income and benefits to the widest section of the Namibian people,” said Shifeta.
ELLANIE SMIT
He was speaking at the opening of the new Windhoek Palm Hotel.
“The Namibian tourism industry continues to demonstrate its amazing ability to contribute to the Namibian economy,” he said.
He encouraged the tourism industry to continue addressing issues that hamper the growth and development of local and international tourism.
“The domestic market should be seen as a potential opportunity to relieve the pressure of the economic downturn, and needs to develop packages geared towards the domestic market,” said Shifeta.
He said accommodation was a fundamental element of the tourism product offering and that the availability of accommodation establishments was, therefore, an essential requirement for tourism growth.
“This, in turn, directly influences the ability of destinations to survive in an increasingly competitive international tourism market. The success of destinations is largely dependent upon the quality development of the accommodation sector,” said Shifeta.
The Windhoek Palm Hotel can accommodate 160 guests and currently employs 26 people. The owners aim to increase the workforce to 50 in the future.
“I am convinced that tourism will remain a key pillar for Namibia in terms of skills development, job creation, income and benefits to the widest section of the Namibian people,” said Shifeta.
ELLANIE SMIT
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