Tourist attacks will affect tourism sector: Shifeta

WINDHOEK, 25 SEP – The frequent criminal attacks on tourists who are visiting Namibia will have a terrible effect on the tourism sector, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta admitted and cautioned on Monday.
In an interview with Nampa here, Shifeta said Namibia cannot afford to have constant criminal attacks on tourists as this will reduce the number of visitors, which will eventually affect the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He noted that the sector contributes more than 15 per cent to the GDP annually.
“We need to work together as Government agencies, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) and community members to create a safe environment for our tourists,” he said.
Shifeta pointed out that the ministry has put up measures with NamPol by introducing a branch that focuses on the protection of tourists.
The branch has implemented closed-circuit television cameras in crime-prone national parks as well as police patrols.
“What the community should keep in mind is that tourists are coming to support us. We promote Namibia and invite them to come as well, therefore we need to give them the support and have a welcome hand,” he stressed.
The environment minister said criminal attacks by a few individuals who are trying to destroy the tourism industry, especially the hospitality Namibia has towards visitors, should be eliminated.
Shifeta further called on community members to report odd behaviour of individuals in national parks to the nearest police or park rangers.
(NAMPA)