Do not disregard tourists’ spiritual needs

Dear Editor,
In the discussions on increased tourism the spiritual dimension often is neglected even though studies show it becomes more and more important.  A few years ago TUI launched an evaluation amongst 1000 tourists [asking them] which moments had been their happiest within their holidays. An overwhelming majority spoke about special moments of happiness in nature. It seems visitors are looking for a special experience which Namibia really can provide most authentically. In this line of thought it is worthwhile to mention how many guests seriously desire, some even demand to enter the Christuskirche or St. Mary’s Cathedral. Again and again one can observe how unhappy visitors get if a church is closed. Spiritual tourism is one of the top ten trends in tourism 2020. Namibia could carefully craft programmes in this direction.
With kind regards
Andreas Peltzer
Catholic theologian