World tourism delegation visits Namibia
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
A delegation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is in Namibia to help strengthen the country's Tourism Revival Strategy.
The secretary-general of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, accompanied by four senior managers, arrived on Sunday and will stay until 4 November. Pololikashvili will also be the guest speaker at the opening of the Namibian Tourism Expo on Wednesday. According to the executive director in the tourism ministry, Teofilus Nghitila, this is Pololikashvili's first visit to Namibia and to any Sub-Saharan African country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The visit is aimed at strengthening Namibia's Tourism Revival Strategy and to pay tribute to the efforts of Namibia to save lives and jobs.”
Virus impact
Like in many other countries, the impact of the coronavirus on the Namibian tourism sector was severe, with over 100 000 jobs at risk.
“Namibia is open for international tourism and wholeheartedly welcomes the secretary-general to our shores. We remain committed to the work of the UNWTO as a member of the Executive Council and an active participant in the programmes of this UN agency focused on tourism,” tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said.
Tourism initiatives
The UNTWO works with Namibia on four key initiatives, which include the endorsement of Namibia's draft National Strategy on Sustainable Heritage Tourism.
“Once adopted, the strategy will promote cultural heritage and tourism across many local communities. It is due for submission to cabinet for consideration,” said Nghitila.
Another initiative is the completion of a Namibian Gastronomy booklet aimed at introducing Namibian cuisine to the world, and the preparation of a Namibia Biodiversity and Tourism Project, aimed at supporting the country in biodiversity and environmental conservation. Lastly, the organisation is working with Namibia on the publication of a supplement on Namibian tourism, which will showcase Namibian tourism products and the gradual reopening of the country to international tourists.
The delegation will visit the World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand-Sea in Sossusvlei and the Erongo Region during their visit to Namibia. They will be received by international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Hage Geingob.
WINDHOEK
A delegation from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) is in Namibia to help strengthen the country's Tourism Revival Strategy.
The secretary-general of the UNWTO, Zurab Pololikashvili, accompanied by four senior managers, arrived on Sunday and will stay until 4 November. Pololikashvili will also be the guest speaker at the opening of the Namibian Tourism Expo on Wednesday. According to the executive director in the tourism ministry, Teofilus Nghitila, this is Pololikashvili's first visit to Namibia and to any Sub-Saharan African country since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The visit is aimed at strengthening Namibia's Tourism Revival Strategy and to pay tribute to the efforts of Namibia to save lives and jobs.”
Virus impact
Like in many other countries, the impact of the coronavirus on the Namibian tourism sector was severe, with over 100 000 jobs at risk.
“Namibia is open for international tourism and wholeheartedly welcomes the secretary-general to our shores. We remain committed to the work of the UNWTO as a member of the Executive Council and an active participant in the programmes of this UN agency focused on tourism,” tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said.
Tourism initiatives
The UNTWO works with Namibia on four key initiatives, which include the endorsement of Namibia's draft National Strategy on Sustainable Heritage Tourism.
“Once adopted, the strategy will promote cultural heritage and tourism across many local communities. It is due for submission to cabinet for consideration,” said Nghitila.
Another initiative is the completion of a Namibian Gastronomy booklet aimed at introducing Namibian cuisine to the world, and the preparation of a Namibia Biodiversity and Tourism Project, aimed at supporting the country in biodiversity and environmental conservation. Lastly, the organisation is working with Namibia on the publication of a supplement on Namibian tourism, which will showcase Namibian tourism products and the gradual reopening of the country to international tourists.
The delegation will visit the World Heritage Site of the Namib Sand-Sea in Sossusvlei and the Erongo Region during their visit to Namibia. They will be received by international relations minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and President Hage Geingob.
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