Namibia makes name in United Arab Emirates

Namibia is commanding a significant presence in the Arabian market, as a result of its presence at the Arabian Travel Market.  Namibia, under the umbrella of Namibia Tourism Board, exhibited alongside 83 countries  at the just ended Arabian Travel Market which took place at the Dubai Convention and Conference Centre, an exhibition hub in Dubai.

The 21st Edition of the region’s largest travel fair continues to be the biggest event that offers opportunities for businesses from around the globe to connect with clients, new contacts and industry peers. The Trade Fair was officially opened by His Highness; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai.

Only in Namibia. Photo ©NTB

“Technology is a major theme at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, reflecting the wider industry trend.  Delegates have unanimously agreed that technology has become an integral part of the travel decision-making and booking process and will play and even greater role over the next decade as generation Y becomes the dominant consumer group”, says HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM)

This was Namibia’s 3rd attendance of the Arabian Travel Market.  In 2012 when Namibia exhibited for the first time, only few visitors as well as Operators could place Namibia on the map.  However, this year, with more marketing activities both in Namibia and in UAE since 2012 coupled with the appointment of J&A Consultants, led Mr John Kamau as Namibia’s representative agent since November 2013, interest in the destination has grown tremendously.

Only in Namibia. Photo ©NTB

Unlike the previous two years, more operators and frequent travelers visited the Namibian stand to seek for information about the destination for inclusion in their brochures.,

The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Uahekua Herunga, at the opening of the Namibia stand says “When I talk about the collaboration between Namibia and UAE in the field of tourism, I have two things to share with you. One is for the past three years since 2012, we hosted in Namibia  more than 10 tour operators and 9 media, respectively. I am happy to note that Namibia received coverage in different publications here in the  UAE and that the tour operators, who participated in these events, returned excited about viewing Namibia as the best tourism destination for their clients.

Only in Namibia. Photo ©NTB

Only in Namibia. Photo ©NTB

The Namibia Tourism Board delegation was headed by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Uahekua Herunga.  Mr Digu //Naobeb, the CEO of Namibia Tourism Board and Ms. Zelna Hengari , Acting MD of NWR, and 3 Namibia Tourism Operators made up the Delegation.