Putting Namibia on the map

Namibia’s tourism industry has experienced a refreshing boom in the last couple of years and the country is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations for meetings, conferences, summits, seminars and conventions. The reasons for this attraction of tourists probably have more to do with the country’s natural resources and beauty than the variety and standard of conference venues, since the handful of available venues are a far cry from what is offered internationally in this regard.
It is for reasons like these that Conference Link, a pioneer in Namibia’s event and conference industry for more than a decade, has started initiating discussions around a possible convention bureau and centre of note in Windhoek. A pre-feasibility meeting was recently held around this topic.
Although the potential of business tourism, and its successes, are well known internationally, the term is still very new and yet to be explored in Namibia. With major recent events and attractions to the SADC region, and Namibia as well, the development of business tourism can no longer be ignored.
“It is estimated that some 300 business tourism activities are held annually in Namibia, worth 30 000 delegate days,” comments Marelise Serfontein, Executive Member of Conference Link. “The industry is valued at about N$140 million and with more focused development of the business tourism industry, much more can be generated for the country.”
Business travel, ranging from small meetings and leadership breakaways to major conferences and exhibitions, is a lucrative sector of the market with vast potential for increased investment in the country. Business travelers spend on average three times more than leisure travelers, and up to 40% of business travelers return to a destination within five years. Statistics also prove that there is a significant crossover from business into leisure travel.                                                                             
Apart from attracting potential tourists to a country, business tourism promotes the development of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, traffic systems, accommodation and housing, and of course the enhancement of total congress infrastructure.
Some of the major benefits of business tourism are the attraction of possible investors to a country and the interaction with opinion leaders and visitors from developed countries and other cultures. Business Tourism should be chosen because of its ability to create jobs more easily than other sectors of the economy at a time when unemployment is high.
“A convention centre has the potential to uplift and develop in many ways, ranging from economic growth, foreign exchange and increased rates and taxes to improved leisure facilities for the local population,” added Serfontein.
The international Business Tourism Industry is highly competitive. Other countries’ Convention Bureau’s at all levels are constantly honing their sophisticated and targeted marketing strategies to win the international business and grow their industries. The time has come for Namibia to step up and shake hands with the rest of the world!