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afrol.com, 13 October - The Namibian Minister of Environment and Tourism, Philemon Malima, called upon all his colleagues in the Southern African Development Communities (SADC) countries to develop and maintain competitive standards in the countries’ tourism industry, which he described as a "success story" so far. - We have to make sure that we offer our tourism products and services to a recognised standard. The tourism industry is after all customer-driven and we, if we are to be competitive, must offer a value for money product, which matches or surpasses similar products available elsewhere, he noted. Speaking at the Southern Africa Trade and Investment Summit in the Namibian capital Windhoek, Minister Malima said each and every product and service in the tourism industry must meet basic operating standards of safety, hygiene and security if it is to be permitted to operate. Thus the customer, local or foreigner, he said, could be assured that the product has a seal of approval from some recognised source. He added that the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (Retosa), is conducting a survey to address such an issue. Minister Malima said his ministry supports and encourages the idea of business standard which keeps the tourism industry in the country to operate profitably and efficiently. He also said the growth and development of tourism in Namibia and other southern African countries is the product of joint efforts by both governments and the private sector. He explained that governments in the region have drawn up tourism policies and plans while the private sector has largely been responsible for the provision of services to the tourists through investment in hotels, transportation and related leisure services. Minister Malima said through this partnership, SADC countries have built a tourism success story. However, he said the changing of modern technology, which goes together with a considerable impact on the demand and supply of tourism products, is a challenge to the industry, as retailers and consumers would prefer to receive information online and not through the post. He said political stability and the adoption of investor-friendly policies by some member states had led to a noticeable increase in hotel accommodation capacity. He added that a large number of projects are being undertaken in various member states and several are on the drawing board. The Minister also expressed sadness about the unfortunate incident in Namibia earlier this year in which two French children were shot dead by suspected Angolan UNITA bandits, adding that such incidents also contributed to the decline in the number of tourists visiting the country at the time. "Because of that incident," he said, "serious security and safety measures have been taken by the Government of Namibia in the country to ensure people’s safety and the situation is now under control."
Source: Namibian Government
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