WINDHOEK – The gambling house at the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino will be closed for the entire duration of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification Congress of the Parties 11 (UNCCD COP 11). The UNCCD COP 11 conference will have its headquarters at the resort. The casino will close on September 16 to re-open on September 27, Legacy Hotels, which operates the state-owned resort, confirmed this week.
Namibia is to host this prestigious conference on desertification, climate change and the loss of biodiversity, issues that were identified as the greatest challenge to sustainable development during the 1992 Rio Earth Summit. The conference is taking place during the country’s worst drought in recent history. The Desert Jewel Casino of the country club has also pledged to donate N$50 000 to drought relief efforts in Namibia.
“We challenge other Namibian businesses to match or better our contribution in joining us to assist relevant parties in their efforts to mitigate drought effects and manage desertification in our very arid country,” said the Regional Manager for Gaming at Legacy Hotels, Deon Jordaan.
During this temporary closure, the Desert Jewel Casino will be preparing the premises for an enhanced customer experience upon return. Nevertheless, Premium Club members and the general public will be able to participate in an exciting competition on Radio Kosmos where N$80 000 in cash will be up for grabs. If a Premium Club member wins the cash, Desert Jewel Casino will double the winnings. Competition winners will be able to collect their winnings from Desert Jewel Casino on October 5. All winners who are at Desert Jewel Casino on October 5 will be entered into a lucky draw and the winner will receive an additional N$12 500 on top of their competition winnings.
“In our continued efforts to provide our clientele with the finest gaming experience, on re-opening we will be offering a range of new products with more value-added benefits as well as discounts for Premium Club members and tier specific promotions will be launched to give all our customers an opportunity to participate in the exciting promotions to be launched post-COP11. We look forward to Namibian business joining us in our fight to deal with our current drought and of course look forward to welcoming our valued customers back from 10h00 on the 27th September 2013,” said Jordaan.
By Staff Reporter