Meet Lubowski Kadila - tourism entrepreneur extraordinaire
Lubowski Kadila is the founder and chief executive of Anchor Adventures, a Namibian tour operator that focuses on a different way in which travellers experience Namibia.He studied Public Relations and Tourism Management at the University of Namibia – skills he used in the groundwork of his six-year-old company.
“You must believe in something, and cultural tourism is what we believe in,” Lubowski says.
In his view, tourists should visit the country due to the uniqueness of the various Namibian cultures.
It was precisely this inadequate representation that encouraged him to make it his core business: To embrace the diversity of our people, generations and culture. “So far, we are giving travellers a different experience of Namibia.”
He added that travelling is entertaining and educational, and being able to share his experiences with others is a dream come true. After his first work experiences through internship opportunities at the United Nations and an exchange programme called “Go Africa, Go Germany”, Lubowski dared to realise his dream and founded Anchor Adventures in 2016.
The difference
The travel packages offered by Anchor Adventures include social interactions with Namibians. While he conducts tours around the country, he also believes in practising sustainable tourism, equitable use of resources, and the preservation of the country’s natural beauty, culture, tradition and wildlife.
Anchor Adventures gives insight and authentic experiences from and with the culture of the Namibian people. It stands out thanks to unique excursions, traditional cooking classes, fashion tours and local eatery hopping tours in the capital.
Tour packages are customised to each group and offer a mix of travel options ranging from homestays with local families to high-end luxury accommodation.
His next project is offering climate-neutral tours in cooperation with a start-up plant nursery in the Aawambo regions – enabling tourists to offset CO² emissions directly at their holiday destination.
The 32-year-old entrepreneur opts to work with young local professionals. He aims to provide opportunities for tourism business exposure to motivated graduates, as the company starts to navigate beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lubowski was able to create a second branch of Anchor Adventures in Germany in 2018. Today this liaison increases his network of European clients.
Studies paying off
Lubowski recommends students get into the field of tourism through a degree programme at the University of Namibia (i.e. a Bachelor in Tourism Management).
“Being an entrepreneur is for people who do not mind a more flexible routine, thrive on problem-solving and like trying new things. It’s an incredible career where you get to do what you love.”
He says that one needs to be outgoing, friendly, hardworking, willing to learn and constantly innovate.
“If you love the outdoors, love people from all cultural groups and walks of life, and want to share one’s own cultural roots, this is exactly what you should do.”