Niël Terblanché
Namibia is set to host the prestigious Aviation Development (AviaDev) Africa Conference next week in Windhoek.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) has announced that the event is set to boost tourism and the aviation sector and will take place from 19 to 21 June.
Dan Kamati, the NAC’s spokesperson indicated that the vent will be drawing global aviation industry leaders to Windhoek and that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa is set to inaugurate the conference.
“Over 35 airlines and 400 participants, the highest number ever for an AviaDev conference, have confirmed their participation,” Kamati said.
The event is a unique opportunity to facilitate networking, idea exchange, and collaboration among aviation professionals, aimed at developing sustainable air connectivity across Africa.
Kamati added that the conference aligns with the Yamoussoukro Decision towards a Single Air Transport Market (SAATM) in Africa and seeks to forge partnerships to explore new opportunities for the continent’s aviation sector.
“Better-connected African countries and regions through a successful air transport industry can be a driver for increased commerce, trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, which is what we all live for,” Bisey /Uirab, the NAC’s Chief Executive Officer added.
The AviaDev Africa Conference, taking place alongside the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), is poised to serve as a crucial platform for Namibia’s tourism sector.
With the theme ‘Igniting Connections and Propelling Growth,’ AviaDev Africa has become the leading platform for promoting air travel development on the continent.
Platinum sponsors of the event include aviation giants such as Airbus, Embraer, NACO, NAVPASS, and Tourvest. Gold sponsors include AERCAP, AI12, AirlinePros, Network, Kiu, SITA, and South Africa Tourism.
The official carriers for the conference are Fly Namibia, Discover Airlines, and South African Airways, with Gondwana Collections listed among the silver partners. The Namibia Aviation Training Academy (NATA) is the outreach partner.
The successful bid by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the NAC to host the event is a demonstration of Namibia’s ambition to increase revenue from the tourism sector.
Nangula Uaandja, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NIPDB, expressed confidence in Namibia’s growing role within Africa’s hospitality and aviation landscapes, highlighting the strategic importance of the June 2024 conferences.
Hosting the AviaDev conference not only solidifies Namibia’s commitment to the aviation and hospitality industries but also opens doors to new opportunities by attracting international investors and industry leaders.
The NAC’s initiative stresses Namibia’s strategic positioning as a burgeoning hub for tourism, investment, and economic development.
This event promises to drive meaningful dialogue and partnerships, ultimately benefiting Namibia’s economic landscape.
