Namibia’s tourism industry remains a key sector, generating N$14.3 billion for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and employing about 58,000 people, according to government figures.
While recognising the role tourism plays, Sport, Youth and National Service Deputy Minister Dr Emma Kantema-Gaomas, however , said challenges persist, particularly regarding access to education, training, and resources for young people seeking to enter the industry.
“This summit is an opportunity to address these challenges head-on by fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and developing strategies that will enable our youth to thrive and enter the mainstream of the tourism economy,” she said this in her opening remarks at the 6th Africa Youth in Tourism Innovation Summit held this week in Windhoek.
Highlighting the summit’s theme: “Offering actionable solutions for Africa’s travel tech, tourism innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth employability,” Dr Kantema-Gaomas underscored the government commitment to aligning the summit with national development plans and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She further pointed to the summit’s alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a major initiative offering immense potential for youth entrepreneurs.
By reducing trade barriers and creating a larger market, AfCFTA provides a springboard for young Africans to expand their businesses and collaborate across borders.
“It underscores the vital need for practical, impactful strategies that can drive the transformation of our tourism industry and empower the youth. They are the entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders who will shape the tourism landscape of tomorrow,” she said.
She also acknowledged the global pandemic’s impact. The summit recognises the need to adapt, innovate and leverage technology to propel the tourism industry forward. Collaboration on tangible solutions is key to unlocking Africa’s tourism potential.
“In the wake of unprecedented challenges posed by the global pandemic, it is imperative that we adapt, innovate and leverage the power of technology to propel the tourism industry forward. This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to not only identify the challenges that lie ahead but also to collaborate on tangible solutions that will unlock the immense potential of Africa’s tourism sector.” Dr Kantema-Gaomas said.
