Namibia Turns to Community-Based Tourism Enterprises

Namibia’s visionary Deputy Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Heather Sibungo expressed interest in tapping into heritage tourism by promoting community-based tourism enterprises. Therefore, tourists arriving at hotels like Avani Windhoek Hotel & Casino will be able to taste a slice of Namibia’s heritage during their vacations. Such products and services can be expected to reach a hotel in Windhoek in the very near future, benefitting local communities involved in such enterprises.

She also encouraged the private sector to invest in community-based tourism enterprises. She believes that such steps would increase the product offerings and value of tourist experiences. Therefore, she emphasised on the importance of including these innovative people-centred products and services in the travel itineraries of guests. Addressing the nation on World Tourism Day, Sibungo stated that the country carries the required framework conditions for the growth of the tourism sector, which would eventually benefit the local communities.