Isabel Bento
SWAKOPMUND – Tourism stakeholders in the Erongo region have called for stronger policy alignment and improved inter-ministerial coordination in the allocation of tourism concessions.
This is as the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) reviews the National Tourism Policy of 2008.
These views were shared during a regional consultation meeting held at Swakopmund on Monday, as part of nationwide engagements aimed at gathering input from the sector before the revised policy is finalised.
Chairperson of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, Annet Kötting, stressed the need to revive structures that previously facilitated coordination between ministries involved in tourism development.
“There were attempts to coordinate tourism development across ministries through an inter-ministerial committee and a competitiveness advisory council. Such platforms should be revisited to ensure that tourism planning considers all sectors and long-term sustainability,” Kötting said.
Trevor Ndjadila, Manager for Business Development at Namibian Ports Authority (Namport), said the revised policy should remain aligned with national development frameworks and future policy developments.
He cautioned that references to policy frameworks nearing their expiry dates should be updated to ensure the tourism policy remains relevant beyond their timelines.
Other participants also urged policymakers to avoid rebranding Namibia’s tourism identity entirely, suggesting instead that existing branding efforts be consolidated and strengthened.
“Rebranding could create unnecessary costs.
What is important is that all institutions promoting Namibia as a destination speak with one voice while strengthening sustainability messaging,” a stakeholder said.
MEFT conservation scientist Leandre Cloete said the policy review is necessary as the sector has undergone significant transformation over the past 17 years due to digital innovation, changing travel trends and global disruptions such as pandemics.
“The review process, therefore, aims to ensure that the tourism policy reflects emerging global trends and local realities,” she expressed.
MEFT chief tourism officer Frans Helao said the proposed draft policy emphasises sustainability, digitalisation, and improved data management within the tourism sector. It proposes the establishment of a tourism information management system to improve the collection and reporting of tourism statistics.
According to Helao, the revised policy introduces thematic focus areas including environmental sustainability, community-based tourism, inclusive economic growth, destination development, marketing and branding, institutional frameworks, and research and statistics.
-Nampa