This week, threats to tourism in Namibia became a major
topic in the news.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, tourism
is one of the fastest growing industries in the world and provides ample
opportunity for job growth in Namibia. Recent figures show tourists spend an
average of 19 days in the country, (almost exactly the amount of time we’ll be
spending) and tend to inject a lot of money into the economy while visiting.
One Namibian airport, Hosea Kutako International Airport, is
reportedly in danger of closing due to the need for safety upgrades. Such a
closure, according to one op-ed in the Namibian, could drastically hurt tourism
and lead to job loss throughout Namibia. The airport’s inability to meet
regulations is already hurting the country as airlines refuse to operate there.
The op-ed writer urges the country to invest in improvements in order to
protect Namibian tourism.
Another issue that may pose danger to the Namibian tourism
industry is improper waste management. Prior to last year, Namibia was the
cleanest country in Africa. It lost that designation after waste began building
up on the roads and in Namibian towns. The country’s Environment Minister
frames this problem as one related to tourism, warning that fewer people will
come to see the dramatic landscapes if they are covered in trash.
Both the airport story and the waste management story are
among the major headlines this week, demonstrating how vital tourism seems to
the Namibian economy. Indeed, by 2025, it’s
expected to contribute over 20% of the GDP.
Tourism has always been an interesting subject for me; when
I spent a quarter in Hawaii, I was fascinated by how much tourists contributed
to the local economy, but also by the ways they disrespected local customs, or
remained ignorant of them. When we visit, I’m very interested to learn more about
how locals see tourists, and to grow through the experience of being one.
By Mini
By Mini
Sources:
In New Zealand, they are very strict with granting camping permits because they're afraid of open defecation from camping tourists affecting the beautiful landscape. Maybe Namibia should have more strict laws regarding tourists visiting the country?
ReplyDelete-Mark Buckup