Domestic tourism boosted NWR during festive season

Home Business Domestic tourism boosted NWR during festive season

Windhoek

With the holiday season having come to an end for many, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is ecstatic at the rate that domestic tourists visited its camps and resorts throughout the country.

For instance, from December 1, 2015 up until December 31, all six of the establishments within the Etosha National Park received an average of 60 percent total occupancy, in comparison to 2014 when it received just above 40 percent. This huge increase is attributed to the keen interest that the domestic market showed in wanting to explore Namibia.

NWR managing director Zelna Hengari acknowledged that “the support that we received from the domestic market was crucial in strengthening our local ties. Of great importance was the positive criticism that we received, by which actions are being taken to address the challenges.

One of the first things we will work on addressing is our shortcoming related to service delivery and customer service, starting as early as March.

“I would want to urge our domestic market in the future to look at addressing any challenges that they face with any of our team members on the spot by taking it up with the relevant camp/resort manager on duty. In case this is not feasible, I welcome any member of the public to address anything they are not satisfied with directly to my office, as opposed to only using social media, as this makes it difficult to hold the relevant team member accountable for their mistreatment of you.

“Lastly, I would want to emphasise that this is a Namibian company and its interest should be protected by all of us. On my side I promise to address any team member that is mistreating or discriminating against you.”

Following the recent opening of the Hardap Resort, NWR chief marketing officer Epson Kasuto said: “We are very pleased with the level at which the newly renovated Hardap Resort was visited by day visitors and overnighters. During the last week of December the resort was close to full occupancy. It was humbling, considering that the resort had just opened two weeks prior to mid-December 2015.”

NWR added that after the experience of last year, they realised that December holidays are always a great time for families to travel and be with their loved ones. It was for this reason that the company had a festive season special offer that focused solely on families. The special ensured that families were only obliged to pay per room, instead of the normal per person charge.

Even though many are now back at work, NWR is aware that there are those individuals who are only taking their leave now. It, therefore, urged those going on holiday to make use of the festive season special.
The offer ends on January 31.