As allegations of racism and discrimination refuse to settle in the tourism industry, the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN)’s executive has distanced itself from such claims, saying they do not discuss issues based on race or colour. 

Instead, the organisation said they are rather focused on unlocking the potential for the wobbling sector. The allegations levelled against HAN by players in the tourism industry are that its congress due this weekend is not inclusive of the whole industry, charging that 90% of tourism players have been left out. Some of the sponsors who already made monetary pledges towards the congress include Namibia Breweries Limited (N$125 000), Standard Bank (N$40 000), Bannerman Resources (N$75 000), and Marsh, who contributed N$15 000, amongst other donors.  In the hope that 2022 will allow Namibia to return to some form of normality, HAN has committed to hosting its long-awaited event.  The congress, under the motto: Unlocking New Horizons, is aimed at showcasing and discussing the expansion of and new tourism potential in the Tsau /Khaeb National Park, Lüderitz. 

HAN CEO Gitta Paetzold said they are working closely with strategic partners who share the interest in preserving Namibia’s uniqueness and promoting the extraordinary features of the country’s flora, its pristine environment, and inspiring history. On allegations of racism and discrimination in the tourism industry, Paetzold said they don’t talk about “black and white” within the association. 

“I can only speak for HAN. We don’t talk about race in our executive. We speak the Namibian language. We can’t linger on negativity. We don’t refer to black and white because we have moved on,” she stressed. Paetzold added that those making such allegations are doing so out of pure ignorance. 

The 2022 tourism congress, planned for 18 February in Lüderitz, provides the platform for key stakeholders and decision-makers to put forward plans, parameters and proposals. These, HAN says, will help Namibia “unlock new horizons” into one of the world’s most pristine and undisturbed areas, worthy of careful planning and a united commitment to showcasing this unique part of Namibia, its geology, botany, geography and history, without destruction. 

HAN believes that there has never been a better time to do this as a new offering “post-Covid” will enhance Namibia’s potential to become a sought-after and prime travel destination, the wide space, isolation and exclusivity of the area a key attraction and requirement, going forward. 

For some players who feel HAN is not inclusive in hosting its congress, Paetzold rubbished such allegations, saying the tourism association is inclusive, and everyone is welcome to attend the slated congress. “HAN is turning 35 next year. We have been growing our events calendar and portfolio ever since. 

Our motto is to identify tourism stories and trends we need to throw to the industry out there. HAN does it on behalf of the industry. We get support from our sponsors, and from those people in tourism. Our main members are the accommodation trade. Membership is voluntary. Everyone is welcome to join this group that is moving forward,” she maintained. 

These meetings are open to the public and all those interested. 

“All Namibians can benefit from us rolling the potential and opening up new horizons. It is not an exclusive event. Everyone is welcome to come. It’s an open event targeted at the idea of unlocking new potential for tourism in Namibia,” she reiterated. Equally, she noted that HAN provides tourism statistics such as bed occupancy to be used for national data, and to benchmark where the industry is and is heading to. “We are not claiming to speak for everyone, but for those who are willing. 

HAN wants to move the industry forward. Everybody who wants to be moving with us is welcome. I am not going to be held back by those people who always try to find something to criticise, and try to sabotage the good things we do. 

This is a year of positivity for me. We are moving forward positively. Negativity won’t help us unlock new horizons”. Other allegations levelled include that HAN is not a registered entity. Upon New Era’s enquiries, it was found that HAN is registered, with a registration number for value-added tax under the finance ministry, as well as a registration number for the Social Security Commission, seen by this reporter.  –anakale@nepc.com.na