Niël Terblanché
Amidst a concerning uptick in criminal activities targeting international tourists, Gondwana Collection Namibia has launched the “Tourism Heroes” campaign.
This initiative, in partnership with Namibian authorities, aims to reward and recognize individuals and entities pivotal in preserving and enhancing Namibian tourism.
In this regard the Gondwana Collection Namibia contributed a generous N$1,000,000 to the cause—split between cash and in-kind donations facilitated through the Gondwana Care Trust.
Christiaan Jacobie, Senior Content Architect at Gondwana, emphasized the importance of this campaign.
“Namibia, globally celebrated for its enthralling landscapes and warmth, now faces challenges jeopardizing its visitors’ safety. Our campaign aims to bring to the forefront the heroes who go the extra mile to protect and enrich tourist experiences,” Jacobie said.
The “Tourism Heroes” campaign was officially inaugurated yesterday at The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia.
Jacobie outlined the campaign’s goals and said Gondwana aims for a decrease in tourist-related incidents, fostering a culture of national pride and responsibility towards visitor safety, and reinforcing the vital economic role of the tourism industry.
“We aim to make Namibia the go-to destination for experiencing genuine African hospitality,” Jacobie stated.
He encouraged communities to nominate their ‘Tourism Heroes’, and to send these nominations to the Gondwana Collection.
The launch of the new initiative follows a sharp surge in violent crimes against tourists, sparking nationwide concern. These attacks, spanning locations like Windhoek and Okahandja, involve robberies and assaults.
Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, last week expressed his concern about the spate of violent crimes perpetrated against tourists.
“The safety of our tourists is non-negotiable. We are committed to ensuring Namibia remains one of the world’s safest tourist destinations. Collaboration with law enforcement is underway to address these challenges. “We are liaising with the Namibian Police to establish a robust surveillance system to apprehend these criminals,” Shifeta said.
Deputy Minister Heather Amukwaya added, “We are working tirelessly to bring these perpetrators to justice and implore tourists to remain alert and practice caution.”
Shifeta made a national plea, urging stakeholders to come together to eliminate this threat to Namibia’s economy and reputation.
Collective efforts like the “Tourism Heroes” campaign may be the beacon of hope that guides Namibia’s tourism industry back to its glory days.
