Hospitality industry players to be honoured at upcoming gala
The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) and its partners are preparing for the annual Tourism Congress, the Trade Forum and Awards Gala 2019, to be held under the motto, ‘Tourism begins at Home’, this year.
Gitta Paetzold, Chief Executive Officer of HAN said they chose the motto because they realised that many of the challenges and blockages they face, are home-made and can only be sorted within and among the different service providers in the country.
“As part of tourism week we are keen to share some of the ideas for this year’s event and highlight the complimentary efforts that our annual event has with the Tourism showcasing what the 21st Namibian Tourism Expo offers,” she added.
According to Paetzold the focus at this year’s event will thus direct inwards, with the agenda of the Congress being co-determined by both the accommodation and the tour operation stakeholders in partnership with the Tour and Safari Association to zoom in on issues affecting tourism growth, including logistics, technology, infrastructure and sustainability issue.
“Another element of commitment to Namibian partnerships and showcasing Namibia’s diversity and productivity will be the presence of truly Namibian producers in terms of arts, crafts, cosmetic and beverages, who we have invited to display their products as part of the focus of ‘Home’, while such will also be enjoyed at the Awards Gala, where outstanding Namibian personalities will be awarded for their valuable contribution to tourism and Namibia as a whole,” she said.
She explained that for many years, the tourism sector has reiterated that tourism is everyone’s business, emphasising, that everyone stands to benefit from this lively and diverse industry, but also stressing, that the long term sustainability and success for tourism depends heavily on the co-operation and partnership of a wide spectrum of stakeholders.
Paetzold highlighted that as tourism is an international business, HAN has reached out to Air Namibia and is excited to announce that for this year, Air Namibia has again agreed to partner with HAN to ensure that the Tourism Trade Forum participants are exposed to local, regional and international travel agents.
“Air Namibia has agreed to fly in key agents from across the region to join the Namibian Tourism industry during the Congress and Tourism Trade Forum and over 30 agents from across Africa have already confirmed their attendance,” she concluded.
