Recovery plan for tourism
The tourism minister said as the world gradually opens up, it is critical to ensure that Namibia does not lose any opportunity to be competitive.
ELLANIE SMIT
WINDHOEK
Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta says although the tourism sector was one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years, it has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking during his budget motivation in the National Assembly last week, Shifeta said the sector’s contribution to the economy has come to a standstill.
He said the industry’s recovery is therefore a critical challenge confronting the ministry.
“We are working together on the implementation of a tourism recovery plan,” he said.
Safe travel
Shifeta said as the world gradually opens up, it is critical to ensure that Namibia does not lose any opportunity to be competitive.
“Hence it is our positive desire to look at the best possible safety measures such as ‘air bridges’ where we can negotiate and open up travel on a bilateral basis with our specific source countries where similar protocols and safety measures allow, because the only factor that will enable the tourism sector to survive and recover is attracting tourists.”
Tourism and gambling
The environment and tourism ministry has been allocated N$584.5 million for the 2020/2021 financial year, of which N$18.156 million is earmarked for the ministry’s tourism development and gambling regulations programme.
This programme represents just 3.1% of the overall tourism budget.
The programme focuses on creating a conducive environment for the sustained growth of the tourism and gambling industry so that it can contribute to the socio-economic development of the country, said Shifeta.
The establishment of a national lottery and improved regulation of the gambling sector are further priorities under this programme.
Infrastructure
Meanwhile N$93.538 million has been allocated for the ministry’s infrastructure development, maintenance and evaluation programme.
This represents 16% of the ministry’s budget. The programme will focus mainly on the maintenance, upgrading and development of park infrastructure, including fencing, roads and water points, said Shifeta.
“This is especially critical and a major challenge to the ministry, but we are committed to ensuring that good quality services are enjoyed by visitors to our protected areas and that adjacent communities are shielded from human-wildlife conflict.”
The programme will also focus on better sewerage systems and improved waste management infrastructure in protected areas.
Shifeta said under this programme, wildlife will be translocated to benefit conservancies and game as farmers through the Wildlife Breeding Stock Scheme.
WINDHOEK
Tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta says although the tourism sector was one of the fastest-growing sectors in recent years, it has been the hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking during his budget motivation in the National Assembly last week, Shifeta said the sector’s contribution to the economy has come to a standstill.
He said the industry’s recovery is therefore a critical challenge confronting the ministry.
“We are working together on the implementation of a tourism recovery plan,” he said.
Safe travel
Shifeta said as the world gradually opens up, it is critical to ensure that Namibia does not lose any opportunity to be competitive.
“Hence it is our positive desire to look at the best possible safety measures such as ‘air bridges’ where we can negotiate and open up travel on a bilateral basis with our specific source countries where similar protocols and safety measures allow, because the only factor that will enable the tourism sector to survive and recover is attracting tourists.”
Tourism and gambling
The environment and tourism ministry has been allocated N$584.5 million for the 2020/2021 financial year, of which N$18.156 million is earmarked for the ministry’s tourism development and gambling regulations programme.
This programme represents just 3.1% of the overall tourism budget.
The programme focuses on creating a conducive environment for the sustained growth of the tourism and gambling industry so that it can contribute to the socio-economic development of the country, said Shifeta.
The establishment of a national lottery and improved regulation of the gambling sector are further priorities under this programme.
Infrastructure
Meanwhile N$93.538 million has been allocated for the ministry’s infrastructure development, maintenance and evaluation programme.
This represents 16% of the ministry’s budget. The programme will focus mainly on the maintenance, upgrading and development of park infrastructure, including fencing, roads and water points, said Shifeta.
“This is especially critical and a major challenge to the ministry, but we are committed to ensuring that good quality services are enjoyed by visitors to our protected areas and that adjacent communities are shielded from human-wildlife conflict.”
The programme will also focus on better sewerage systems and improved waste management infrastructure in protected areas.
Shifeta said under this programme, wildlife will be translocated to benefit conservancies and game as farmers through the Wildlife Breeding Stock Scheme.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article