- Gondwana Desert Collection/ News



		News 2005 News 28.11.05


		Tourism offers prospects to the poor - 28.11.05 Through growth the travel sector has to contribute to creating jobs and fighting poverty. This was emphasised by the Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Willem Konjore, at the Tourism Forum in Windhoek last week. At the same time he praised the sector for taking serious steps to support the disadvantaged in the spirit of the government’s BBEE policy (Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment).

		The BBEE Charta adopted at last year’s Tourism Forum was the number one topic at the specialist conference. The umbrella organisation, Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA), presented the results of a survey among members of associated organisations. According to FENATA’s Managing Director Jackie Asheeke two thirds of the members already have BBEE measures in place – whether in the form of training, support for neighbouring communities or support in setting up micro businesses. However, she also warned of hasty conclusions. Even though 149 companies - far more than expected - took part in the survey, this figure was no reflection of the entire sector, Jackie Asheeke said.

		Conference participants also gained some insight into two BBEE projects. Dinah Uanguta introduced her company, Camelthorn Transfers and Tours, which she has built with the support of established tour operator Sense of Africa. Her company specialises on transfers between the airport and downtown Windhoek.

		Piet Swiegers of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park (Klein-Aus Vista) relates his experiences with the Aus Tourist Information Centre.

		Piet Swiegers of Gondwana Sperrgebiet Rand Park (Klein-Aus Vista) briefly outlined the Aus Tourist Information Centre community project, which was initiated by his company. He underlined the importance of involving the people concerned in the planning and decision-making. Quite often there was considerable distrust – which after decades of Apartheid was not surprising, he said. The Information Centre on the way into Aus has been built with European Union funds and is scheduled to open next March.

		Among other topics discussed at the conference were the efforts of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) with regard to registration, training and marketing as well as the problems and possible solutions in case of HIV/Aids at the workplace.