Private sector tourism constitutes new umbrella body

The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations, Fenata has been re-constituted by its members and rebranded under the name Fenato Tourism. Following a lively Annual General Meeting earlier this year, the members set new objectives and policies for the federative body, but decided that it will continue as a voluntary organisation under the name Fenata Tourism.
In a communiqué to spell out its new role and function, Fenata Tourism said it has set itself several policy objectives that will guide the overhauled body in its approach to the industry and to public sector stakeholders. Fenata Tourism has elected a new board and co-opted the previous chairman, Claus Dau to ensure continuation.
Fenata Tourism will continue to act as lobby group for the industry especially with the government concerning tourism issues relevant to both the private sector and specific ministries. As a federative body, it will also husband the establishment and proper running of tourism structures, bodies and institutions within the country.
On the relationship with its most important public ally the Namibian Tourism Board, Fenata Tourism said it intends to work closely with the parastatal tourism promoter to advance the common interest and mutual benefit of all those involved in the local industry.
On internal matters the focus is to promote the common interests of members and to generate an understanding among the general public on all issues related to tourism and the importance of these issues.
Looking outward, Fenata Tourism will be instrumental to assist in generic advertising of Namibia as a quality tourism destination to promote both the interests of its members and of the country as a whole. It will also engage similar representative bodies across the world.
Further it will participate in national efforts and strategies to combat crime, especially where this affects tourists, and to help create a secure environment for visitors. Finally, Fenata Tourism has undertaken to ensure that its members are well-informed on industry, legal and environmental issues.
Fenata Tourism represents more than a dozen specialised tourism and travel associations reaching hundreds of individuals with a commercial and conservation interest in tourism.