UNWTO boss sings Namibia’s praises
The World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO) secretary general, Zurab Pololikashvili, says he has not only been impressed by the hospitality of the Namibian people but also by their readiness to welcome tourists again as health protocols are implemented.
He said even though it will be important to monitor the evolution of the pandemic in major source markets, he sincerely believes that the recent relaxation measures Namibia have implemented under the International Tourism Revival initiative are key milestones for the recovery of the sector that has been hard hit by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Pololikashvili was recently in the country on a three-day official visit where he also met President Hage Geingob.
“Upon my return to Madrid, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude for your time and great hospitality during my official visit to your beautiful country of Namibia, particularly during this unprecedented trying moment that the world and the international tourism community are being faced with,” Pololikashvili wrote to Geingob.
Namibia is the first African country Pololikashvili and his delegation have travelled to since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted in Europe in March this year.
Equally, he noted, their priority during this critical time remains with Namibia, especially in the roll-out of the different activities he announced in the areas of conservation, support of tourism micro, small and medium enterprises, and the preparation of the upcoming Brand Africa conference next year.
“As a result, I would like to reiterate UNWTO’s firm commitment and partnership with your government in the recovery efforts and actions that you will take for the rebuilding of your tourism sector, and I look forward to deepening our collaboration in supporting these efforts in a sustainable, responsible and innovative manner,” Pololikashvili said.