By Chrispin Inambao WINDHOEK As part of its turn-around strategy to generate profit the struggling Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) last Thursday announced it has secured exclusive rights to transport big-spending tourists on guided night drives at three camps in the famed Etosha National Park. The exclusive guided night drives come at a time when Etosha National Park is on the verge of celebrating 100 years since it was proclaimed a national park in March 1907. Tourists would be afforded a glimpse into the nocturnal world of Etosha that teems with lion, leopard and cheetah while large herds of zebra, wildebeest and springbok abound. The Managing Director of NWR, Tobie Aupindi, made the announcement last Thursday night at Daan Viljoen, a game park on the outskirts of Windhoek, at a special media event that was graced by Minister of Environment and Tourism, Willem Konjore, and NWR staff members. Aupindi said NWR resorts have to keep pace with changes in the industry and that they could not afford to offer only bed-and-breakfast, as tourism is a fast-growth industry. According to projections, tourism with a growth rate of six percent could surpass agriculture and mining by 2015 in terms of net contributions to gross domestic product (GDP). Aupindi said NWR wants to focus on value-addition and thus the introduction of the exclusive guided night safaris that will take place at three camps – at Okaukuejo, Halali and Namutoni in the game-rich park measuring some 22 000 square kilometers. And as part of the turnaround strategy that hinges on a N$120-million lifeline guaranteed by the government, NWR is presently refurbishing a number of its resorts with its priority currently being Waterberg, while it is also retraining its staff to be competitive and cope with the ever-changing demands of this largely cut-throat sector. The spectacular Waterberg Plateau is managed by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as a breeding area for rare and endangered game species such as black and white rhino, disease-free buffalo, sable and roan antelope, and it is home to the Damara dik-dik. Resorts at the flagship Etosha National Park are also benefitting from funds earmarked for major refurbishment while NWR is splurging millions on a new up-market lodge at Sossusvlei that will offer 25 bedded units and is set for completion this year. Activities on offer once this lodge opens will range from guided excursions to Sossusvlei and Sesriem Canyon, sunset drives and walks as well as stargazing. NWR has procured a fleet of six all-terrain, canopy-fitted game safari Land Rovers that would be allocated to the three camps at Etosha, and Aupindi says this fleet will eventually be increased to meet what he expects will be a growing demand for these tours. And the NWR managing director last Friday travelled to the south to inspect NWR resorts accompanied by the chairperson of the NWR board K /Awarab. At the launch also witnessed by the Khomas Regional Governor, Sophia Shaningwa, the Environment and Tourism Minister said: “I am particularly happy to be able to note that at the last Cabinet Retreat, a decision was taken regarding the development of specialised guided tours within our parks by Namibia Wildlife Resorts as a means of diversifying the tourism products that Namibia is able to offer.” “This is in recognition that national parks are one of the major tourist attractions in our country but have to date been underutilized. With the launching of this exclusive guided night drives and day game drives, Namibia Wildlife Resorts will now be in a better position to provide enhanced services to clients,” said the minister. He said the fleet of vehicles acquired for the exclusive guided night drives was inspected and approved by the Directorate of Parks and Wildlife Management for this purpose. NWR expects to start turning a profit by the end of next year, said the managing director.