NTB head calls for high standards in tourism

HIGH standards are a key factor in ensuring that tourists get their value for money during their visits to Namibia, says the head of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB).

Gideon Shilongo, NTB Chief Executive Officer, said last week that in tourism – where word-of-mouth promotion is important – it is essential that visitors, once they return home, speak positively of their Namibian experience. Shilongo, whose organisation is responsible for promoting, uplifting and marketing the country’s tourism industry, said a destination with a history of low standards would soon find itself replaced by other competing destinations.”The provision of high quality services generates customer satisfaction and a greater volume of business, enabling the sector to grow, to create new enterprises and generate employment,” he added.The NTB chief said the tourism business was about hosting people as guests, against payment, enabling visitors to leave with memorable experience that was worth the value of their spending both in the form of time and money.Shilongo, whose organisation is responsible for promoting, uplifting and marketing the country’s tourism industry, said a destination with a history of low standards would soon find itself replaced by other competing destinations.”The provision of high quality services generates customer satisfaction and a greater volume of business, enabling the sector to grow, to create new enterprises and generate employment,” he added.The NTB chief said the tourism business was about hosting people as guests, against payment, enabling visitors to leave with memorable experience that was worth the value of their spending both in the form of time and money.