WINDHOEK – Okahandja is preparing for its annual tourism and trade expo scheduled for next week.
According to Maggy Sheya, the Tourism and Marketing Officer at the Municipality of Okahandja, the primary purpose of the event, which promises to be ‘bigger and better’ this year, is to expose the town to tourists and non-residents.
With few major events and activities taking place throughout the year in the town, Sheya said people mostly just pass through the town thus not experiencing what the town has to offer.
The expo takes place from next week Thursday May 08 to Sunday May 11.
“Wood carvers who come mostly from the Kavango regions are unique to the town as they craft, display and sell their items here,” said Sheya in an interview with New Era on Monday this week.
Sheya said the town is also unique for its certain major factories that produce biltong and plastic.
“We want our town to be on the map for its uniqueness and not just for people passing through to go to other places,” said Sheya when asked on what the expo has to offer that is different from other trade fairs and expos in other parts of the country.
She added that the event has grown since it was launched in 2009 when it only had 60 exhibitors and 3 000 visitors.
Last year there were 97 exhibitors and over 9 000 visitors.
This year there are 95 exhibitors with many more on the waiting list.
Exhibitors from neighbouring countries such as South Africa and Zimbabwe have shown keen interest in showcasing their products at the expo, Sheya said.
Exhibitors vary from corporate organisations to small and medium enterprises, and various goods, products and services would be advertised during the duration of the expo, she highlighted.
“The public should come and visit our beautiful garden town and enjoy our hospitality during the four days,” said Sheya.
By Alvine Kapitako