Niel Terblanche
Great excitement is brewing in the tourism circles of Namibia’s Erongo Region as the Namibian Ports Authority prepares to welcome a fleet of ten massive cruise liners to the picturesque port of Walvis Bay.
The 2023 cruise liner season was officially launched with the arrival of the Vasco da Gama-Nicko Cruises passenger liner on Sunday morning.
This event marked the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable tourism season for the region.
The Vasco da Gama-Nicko Cruises passenger liner, a vessel measuring 219 meters in length, operates under the flag of Switzerland.
According to Elias Mwenyo, the Executive: Commercial Services of NamPort, the ship brought with it 396 eager holidaymakers, signifying the commencement of the passenger liner tourism season.
The liner’s overnight stay at the Port of Walvis Bay was a spectacle in itself, as tourists explored the charm and beauty of the immediate environs of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
The vessel set sail for the Port of Lüeritz on Monday afternoon from where it will sail down to Cape Town and around the foot of the African Continent.
Mwenyo shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming cruise liner season.
He said that NamPort is anticipating the arrival of 10 more passenger vessels by the end of December 2023, with the next one scheduled to dock at the Port on November 28, 2023, according to the port’s game plan.
Traditionally, the passenger liner season kicks off in November and extends through to March of the following year. This period is highly anticipated and celebrated, as it brings a multitude of benefits to the host country, Namibia.
One of the most significant advantages is the influx of international tourists eager to explore the natural beauty that Namibia has to offer.
From its striking desert landscapes to its diverse wildlife and pristine coastlines, Namibia provides a captivating experience for travellers from around the world.
Furthermore, the cruise liner season injects foreign currency into the local economy, boosting trade and commerce.
“This economic boost, in turn, paves the way for job creation opportunities for locals, particularly in sectors such as tour guides, transportation services, and the arts and crafts industry. It’s a win-win situation for both the visitors and the residents, as they come together to celebrate and appreciate the wonders of this remarkable region,” Mwenyo said.
He said that anticipation is high, and the region eagerly looks forward to welcoming more travellers and creating unforgettable memories along the stunning coast of Namibia.
