Diamond competition winner announced at Tourism Expo launch
Yesterday, 27 September, marked World Tourism Day. This year, it was held under the theme Investments for people, for planet and for prosperity, and saw tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta officially launching the 2024 Namibia Tourism Expo.The expo, set to take place from 24 to 26 April 2024, will be facilitated by Namibia Media Holdings (NMH).
From now until the much-anticipated event, NMH will focus on promoting the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) as part of its 'Beyond Borders' tourism drive.
“It's this theme that led us to promote the KAZA, as it is the epitome of what African unity stands for. Five African neighbours join forces in order to maximise the services offered - to the benefit of visitors and the people of this region. This proves how much more could be achieved if we were to emulate the KAZA and extend our efforts far beyond just that one conservation area," NMH's Frank Steffen said.
Proving that the aims of the Tourism Expo are aligned not only to that of SADC, but also to international trends and approaches, Shifeta said: “The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) has identified investments as one of the key priorities for the recovery of the tourism sector and future growth and development.
"For World Tourism Day 2023, UNWTO highlights the need for more and better-targeted investments for people, for the planet and for prosperity. Now is the time for new and innovative solutions - not just traditional investments that promote and underpin economic growth and productivity, but one that also focuses on prosperity for the people and the planet.”
He regards World Tourism Day 2023 as "a call to action to the international community, governments, multilateral financial institutions, development partners and private-sector investors to unite around a new tourism investment strategy and new ways of providing memorable and life-changing experiences for travellers to our destinations", he said.
The minister lauded the efforts made by NMH in marketing Namibia 'Beyond Borders', a principle that resonates with the UNWTO. He added that the expo will market “Namibia as a destination of choice around the world".
Diamonds are forever
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC) supported the expo team by making available a diamond - valued at N$100 000 - which could be won by one lucky individual.
NDTC acting CEO Paulus Shituna said “everyone wants a Namibian diamond, as ours are more valuable!”
The competition saw 5 704 people taking part online, with Shifeta congratulating the winner, Simeon Eposhe Shaanika, on his win. Shaanika was caught totally off-guard, saying: “I have never won anything before!”
The runners-up have been invited for a formal tour through NDTC's plant, while NMH will provide vouchers to the value of N$1 000 for the 2024 expo.
This Sunday, NMH will broadcast a 60-minute show featuring the expo launch and additional KAZA material. Tune in to DStv channel 285 or GOtv channel 25 at 11:00.