(TAN): UNWTO Secretary-General recently paid a three-day official visit to Namibia, the first visit to an African member state since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and took part in a series of high-level talks aimed at strengthening existing partnerships and looking to a sustainable, resilient future.
As the United Nations agency for tourism, UNWTO has been actively guiding the sector’s recovery and restart from this unprecedented crisis. To reflect the new challenges, it has worked directly with its African member states, including Namibia, to adapt the 2030 agenda for Africa: tourism for inclusive growth, the landmark roadmap for the responsible growth of tourism across the continent.
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This official visit offered a first chance to follow up on virtual meetings and advance the preparations for the restart of a sector upon which millions of African livelihoods depend.
Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili met with Namibia President Hage G. Geingob for talks on realizing the potential of tourism to drive sustainable development, including for youth, women and rural communities. In addition, the secretary-general commended the head of state for his leadership, particularly with regards to the international tourism revival initiative which includes the key health and safety protocols drawn up by UNWTO.
“UNWTO is committed to working closely with our African member states to realize the potential of tourism to help societies recover from the effects of the pandemic and enjoy long-term sustainable growth,” secretary-general Pololikashvili said. “The UNWTO Agenda for Africa maps our collective way forward, and I am pleased to see first-hand the commitment shown by the Government of Namibia to support tourism at this vital time and embrace the sector as a driver of positive change for all.”
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Highlighting UNWTO’s determination to lead by example, show travel is safe and be active on the ground when conditions are right, the delegation visited several of Namibia’s leading tourist sites. These included the Namib Sand Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is ready to welcome tourists again, and also historical Swakopmund and the up-and-coming Walvis Bay tourist destination.
Secretary-general Pololikashvili met with Neville Andre, Governor of the Erongo Region of Namibia, to offer UNWTO’s strongest support for local tourism, including businesses.
Namibia is open and ready to welcome tourists again.
