By Joe-Chintha Garises
WINDHOEK, Aug. 22 – The tourism industry was one of the sectors most hit by the global Covid-19 pandemic.
Bank of Namibia governor Johannes !Gawaxab, announced in 2021 that Namibia’s tourism industry lost about N$3,2 billion from travel-related services as a result of Covid-19.
The industry is on the road to recovery as strict regulations have been lifted.
The state’s leading tourism service provider, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR)Limited has expressed concern about the rising cases of cr4iminal attacks against visiting.
Tourists are the targets in and around Windhoek in particular, and the rest of Namibia in general.
“Having come from a difficult two years of the Covid-19 pandemic, current tourism arrivals figures point to the recovery of the tourism industry and a return to pre-Covid numbers.
“Throngs of tourists can be seen in some of our popular destinations such as the Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Demand for vehicle rentals is astronomical, showing great interest in self-drive tourism.
“Local guides will testify that there is a great interest in tourists wanting to visit areas such as Katutura and Single Quarters to experience the ‘Windhoek Life’.” Nelson Muremi Ashipala NWR manager of corporate communications, online media, and MICE said.
Ashipala however said with the rise in robbery and theft cases, they fear as a tourism company, the negative publicity that these incidences of crime bring to the country.
Tourists love experience, and experience would mean engaging with the locals, going out for sundowners, jogging, and strolling through town and all of its wonderful attractions without fear of harassment.
Reports of robberies and theft are negative and will only prevent many tourists from coming to the country, thus hurting employment in the country and the economy.
“NWR appeals to all responsible parties, including law enforcement agencies, and all town and regional tourism officers to put up strong measures that create a safe environment for our tourists.
“We also appeal to every Namibian citizen to create a safe environment for our tourists and to be ambassadors of our great country,” he added.
