Tourism Expo opens

THE 14th Namibia Tourism Expo opened its doors in Windhoek yesterday and will run until June 11.

Minister of Environment and Tourism Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said Namibia had experienced a two per cent increase from 28% in 2010 to 30% in 2011 in the occupancy rate in accommodation establishments, based on the data collected from tourism levy returns that are submitted by the industry.She also said that the campaign to boost domestic tourism is bearing fruit. It is recorded that Namibians account for 45% of those who used registered accommodation establishments, followed by German nationals. There was also an increase of eight per cent in arrivals at the Hosea Kutako International Airport. In 2010, 346 138 arrivals were recorded and in 2011 374 776, of which 59,2% were from Africa. The rest are made up of Namibian domestic and international arrivals. Namibia is shortlisted to host the Adventure Travel World Summit in 2013 and should Namibia be successful, it would be the first time the summit is hosted in Africa.The summit has great marketing value as it attracts leaders of the global tourism industry as well as media representatives, resulting in excellent coverage of Namibia. The Minister also launched the publication ‘Namibia: No Greater Adventure In Africa’ at the annual Tourism Expo.In this publication most Namibia adventure activities are recorded, thus making it easy for tourists to plan their visit.