11.03.2009 – Namibia Still Rated High
Lively Demand From Germany Unbroken
Frankfurt, March 2009. Namibia is regarded as a trend destination in the German speaking market. Following a record year in 2007, the outlook for 2008 is likewise positive. According to the statistics more than 928,912 tourists from all over the world traveled to Namibia between January and December 2007 – an increase by 11 percent as compared to the year before. 80,418 people from Germany alone decided to travel to the country in Southern Africa during this time period. This is 18 percent more than the year before. From Switzerland 10,110 visitors came to Namibia (an increase by 13 percent) and 6,198 visitors arrived from Austria (a plus by 17 percent).
Maureen Posthuma, Area Manager Europe of the Namibia Tourism Board in Frankfurt, states contently: “Namibia enjoys growing demand since years. The tourism industry has reacted fast by expanding capacities – several new accommodation facilities and tourism products have been developed in Namibia during the last year. Nevertheless, we will still focus on soft growth and sustainable tourism development in the future keeping the needs of nature and people in mind. Our aim is to promote Namibia’s regional diversity and to let as many Namibians as possible partake in this extremely positive development.”
The Namibia Tourism Board has created publicity for the holiday destination Namibia together with its partners through various channels. Above all, close cooperation with tour operators in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as increased and effective media work have contributed substantially to this success. Despite the financial crisis, the Namibia Tourism Board expects the numbers of visitors to stay solid from the German speaking markets also in 2009.
Namibia surprises with new tourism attractions and highlights time and time again. In and around Etosha National Park new accommodation facilities have been developed during the last months. Transfrontier parks, new activities and tourism routes make a trip to Namibia a unique experience.
In the German speaking markets, the NTB will continue working in close collaboration with tour operators and travel agents also in 2009. In the course of various info trips, seminars and road shows, travel agents gain product knowledge about the destination. Supporting media work is also regarded as a focal point by the Namibia Tourism Board. A number of press trips featuring different themes like sustainable tourism, cultural exchange, family holidays or hiking adventures, will be organised in various regions of the country. Larger media cooperations also form part of Namibia’s PR activities. Currently, a three-week raffle is featured on the German radio station hr3 (on air and online); 22 lucky winners will have the opportunity to experience a fantastic Easter weekend in Namibia. To create even more public awareness for the tourism destination, Namibia also focuses on brand marketing activities with Esprit, Heine or Douglas.
“By synchronising all our activities in the consumer, trade and PR sectors, we succeed in maximising output despite our limited budget“, explains Maureen Posthuma. “My special thanks go to Air Namibia and our partners in Namibia, without whom we could not realise many marketing activities.“
Contact Tourist Board:
Namibia Tourism Board
Schillerstr. 42-44
60313 Frankfurt am Main
Germany
Tel. 0049 - (0)69 – 13 37 36 0
Fax 0049 - (0)69 – 13 37 36 15
info@namibia-tourism.com
www.namibia-tourism.com
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