WINDHOEK – Namibia is expected to generate more than N$50 million in revenue during the hosting of the Adventure Travel World Summit that is scheduled for October 26 to 31 in Swakopmund and Windhoek. More than 700 delegates from 60 countries have already confirmed their attendance, says Sem Shikongo the director of tourism in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
“A total income of more than N$51,8 million is expected from across the tourism sector during the conference period. The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has already budgeted N$10 million in expenses for the conference and several private companies also gave generous donations,” he said.
Shikongo estimated that Windhoek would garner about N$4,4 million and Swakopmund, where the summit will actually take place, would rake in about N$7,7 million. Additional income before the start of the event and after the summit from connecting and scenic flights, the sale of souvenirs and so on, is calculated at N$7,6 million of which N$4,2 million is estimated as income from domestic flights.
Exposure through marketing, public relations and media coverage by 62 international journalists could run to N$30,9 million, according to Shikongo. “The summit provides Namibia with six days of proper marketing and it will turn out as a summit that will never be forgotten,” he said. The director said the summit has already made history as it is the first gathering ever to be sold out before time.
The summit itself in Swakopmund will be attended by 650 delegates of the Adventure Travel Trade Association.
Shikongo said a total of 41 two-day adventure packages have already been sold by 24 tour operators. As for cultural tourism and conservation areas, delegates will visit 28 joint venture lodges and 18 conservation areas.
Adventure Summit Programme:
• October 20 to 26: Delegates will travel before the conference throughout the country.
• October 26: Welcoming party in Parliament Gardens together with the jazz festival to be hosted in Windhoek.
• October 27 to 28: Delegates will explore Namibia during two days of adventure trips in and around the country.
• October 28: Official opening night in the dunes near Swakopmund.
• October 29 to 31: Conference Days.
• November 1: Post-conference trips.
By Fifi Rhodes