Tourism industry urged to get vaccinated
Although vaccination is voluntary, the ministry is encouraging all tourism employees to play their part and get the jab.
03 May 2021 | Tourism
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
The tourism ministry has encouraged staff in the tourism sector to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The virus has already caused the loss of hundreds of lives in Namibia and over three million globally, the ministry’s executive director, Teofilus Nghitila, said.
“It has affected the economies of all countries and tourism has been the hardest hit, mainly due to the restrictions imposed on travel.”
Nghitila said Namibia has been able to acquire two types of vaccines against the virus.
“I have taken my first dose of the vaccine and expect to take my second dose on 4 May.”
He said although vaccination is voluntary, the ministry is encouraging all tourism employees to play their part and get vaccinated.
“It is the view of the ministry that people working in the tourism sector are frontline workers and at high risk of exposure to the virus through their continued engagement with a wide range of clients from all over the world.
“We must also be cognisant that tourism is a highly competitive sector and, as such, there is a need to assure our source markets that Namibia is a tourist destination that has put in place safety measures against the pandemic.”
Safety first
Nghitila stressed that safety is now of paramount importance to travellers.
“If we are to revive the sector, which has seen massive job losses, closure of businesses and a loss of income, we need to be decisive in our actions and send out a firm message that we are ready to play our part.”
He, therefore, urged all tourism employers to ensure that their workers are vaccinated for their safety, for business sustainability and to create a positive image to visitors.
WINDHOEK
The tourism ministry has encouraged staff in the tourism sector to get vaccinated against Covid-19.
The virus has already caused the loss of hundreds of lives in Namibia and over three million globally, the ministry’s executive director, Teofilus Nghitila, said.
“It has affected the economies of all countries and tourism has been the hardest hit, mainly due to the restrictions imposed on travel.”
Nghitila said Namibia has been able to acquire two types of vaccines against the virus.
“I have taken my first dose of the vaccine and expect to take my second dose on 4 May.”
He said although vaccination is voluntary, the ministry is encouraging all tourism employees to play their part and get vaccinated.
“It is the view of the ministry that people working in the tourism sector are frontline workers and at high risk of exposure to the virus through their continued engagement with a wide range of clients from all over the world.
“We must also be cognisant that tourism is a highly competitive sector and, as such, there is a need to assure our source markets that Namibia is a tourist destination that has put in place safety measures against the pandemic.”
Safety first
Nghitila stressed that safety is now of paramount importance to travellers.
“If we are to revive the sector, which has seen massive job losses, closure of businesses and a loss of income, we need to be decisive in our actions and send out a firm message that we are ready to play our part.”
He, therefore, urged all tourism employers to ensure that their workers are vaccinated for their safety, for business sustainability and to create a positive image to visitors.
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