Southern African tourism ministers meet in Namibia

Source: Xinhua| 2017-07-11 04:39:07|Editor: huaxia
Video PlayerClose

WINDHOEK, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Southern African tourism ministers are meeting at the Namibia's coastal town of Swakopmund to discuss how to improve the tourism sector in the region.

The two-day meeting that started Monday is also being attended by delegates from tourism boards and councils from the region.

Chief executive officer of the Regional Tourism Organization of Southern Africa Desmond Golding said the region currently gets about 2 percent of global tourists.

According to Golding, the region should put more efforts to increase its share to 5 percent within the next 10 years.

To achieve this, Golding said the organization will work with all regional tourism stakeholders to develop and promote a regional brand and market the region as a tourist destination of choice.

He also said they will ensure that the region has been promoted as a destination of trade, commerce and investment.

Namibia's tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said he was aware of obstacles inhibiting the tourism sector from reaching full potential.

Shifeta said one of these is the time it takes to issue travel visas to Namibia and the cost of doing so.

"These are matters that we are looking into. Obviously, a first impression is what lasts with a tourist," Shifeta said.

The meeting is being hosted by the Namibia Tourism Board. Enditem

KEY WORDS:
YOU MAY LIKE
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100001364332581