- Gondwana Desert Collection/ News


		Reliable figures on travel sector - 25.11.05 This was announced by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) at a press conference yesterday. The study aims at establishing the direct and indirect contribution of tourism to the national economy. Key data include tourism’s share in the gross national product, state expenditure, investments and tax yield, but also job opportunities in the sector. In the course of the survey, carried out by experts from Britain, Namibian staff are being trained. The results of the study are to be submitted to Cabinet in July next year.

		NTB CEO Gideon Shilongo with ComMark Director Paul Zille and Seija Kinni-Huttunen, chargé d'affaires of the Finnish Embassy.

		So far there are only estimates - according to which the travel sector contributes 8 to 10 percent to Namibia’s economy, including indirect effects like contracts for builders and construction companies. The number of employees in tourism, around 30,000, is just a rough estimate as well. The grand project became possible through two donations totalling just over 1 million Namibia Dollar: N$ 700,000 were made available by the regional development organisation ComMark Trust, while N$ 325,000 were provided by the Embassy of Finland.