FNB hosts tourism talk to drive collaboration in the sector.

FNB Commercial recently hosted guest speakers, industry players and various stakeholders from the tourism industry at a Tourism Talk event aimed at promoting collaboration within the sector.

The event which was celebrated under the theme ‘Shaping Namibia’s tourism future, together’ served as a dynamic platform uniting diverse voices from the tourism sector to explore, exchange insights and chart the course for Namibia's tourism landscape.

In her opening remarks, FNB Head of Enterprise Banking Connie-Marlene Theyse shared some of the facts and figures of the industry in Namibia adding that tourism is the fastest growing economic sector in which employs over 100,000 Namibians, especially from rural areas. She further noted that in 2023 international, regional, and domestic flight passenger numbers reached their highest since 2019, indicating a recovery in travel.

“We recognise the vital importance of tourism to our country and are here to help you grow your businesses by providing a platform to engage likeminded individuals in the sector. FNB has been a preferred financial partner in the tourism segment, and we have made it our mission to understand the industry and introduce customised solutions that address your needs and creates value for all related stakeholders.” she said.

Theyse also expressed her excitement that Namibia was hosting the Africa Hospitality Investment Forum (AHIF), the premier tourism and hotel investment conference in Africa as well as AviaDev Africa, the leading platform dedicated to enhancing connectivity to, from and within the African continent in June this year. “This will uplift Namibia's global presence and reputation and enhance its position on the international stage” she said.

“We are looking at possible unprecedented growth in the number of tourist arrivals and need to guard against over-exposure of our famous tourist spots. We need to become more imaginative as we cannot replicate what we have done in the past.” These were the opening remarks of well-known local tourist personality, Martin Webb Bowen, director, and co-founder Ultimate Safaris.

He advocated for the exploration of underutilised areas, such as the western part of the Etosha National Park, parts of Skeleton Coast, Lüderitz, the Sperrgebiet and the Zambezi region. “We need to delve into new areas and move away from sticking to the old and trusted. National resources should be used for national development, ensuring equitable growth and sustainability for all citizens.” He added that all stakeholders in the Namibian tourism sector needed to accept the value of tourism and open their minds to the numerous new possibilities which are available with, for example, the cruise ship industry, oil & gas exploration, and private jet guests who are increasingly looking for luxury on their travels. “Courage and confidence are needed to take new steps. The climate is right.

Keynote speaker Barry Clemens hails from Kenya and is CEO of Hospitality EQ, chairman for AYTIS as well as development advisor, board member, director, and international speaker. In his address Clemens highlighted the contribution of tourism to the national GDP of Namibia, occupancy, and arrival recovery and how the world viewed Namibia. Most interesting was his view on the current challenges in the industry, which included infrastructure, capacity, and marketing where he stated that Namibia needed to do much more to promote the country and its unique attractions and experiences. “From research it seems that the world sees Namibia as desert and wildlife. But – there is so much more, and we need to change how we market this beautiful, unique country and cater to what tourists now desire most – personalised experiences with a touch of luxury.”

ENDS