billboard june 2011

1www.billboard.com.na | [email protected] | +264 61 307773 | june_2011_junho | Billboard News Press

2 Billboard News Press | june_2011_junho | +264 61 307773 | [email protected] | www.billboard.com.na


Namibia is surely becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Africa, growing in popularity year by year as a long haul des-tination among the international travel fraternity. This is easy to

understand, especially for those of us who have the privilege of re-siding in this amazing country. Namibia is blessed with an above average African infrastructure, tourism facilities, political stability, huge protected areas, an abundance of flora and fauna, and an immaculate conservation track record. Above and beyond these characteristics, Namibia also has a culturally diverse host commu-nity which is friendly and proud of its cultural and natural heritage. Then too, Namibians have a unique sense of hospitality. The natural environment and world class attractions with an abundance of both unique and diverse flora and fauna, make Namibia one of the most protected destinations on the globe. This is the result of many years of pioneering conservation, implemented by both the public and private sectors and is most probably, our biggest attraction as an African destination.

Although the tourism industry of Namibia is only now coming of age and is still perceived as a generally young industry, it has success-fully contested many challenges. It will however, have to overcome many more challenges, before the full potential and importance of the industry is attained and it receives the full attention of the public sector which it deserves. Meanwhile, it will be to the advantage of the industry to embrace change and to work hard for its recognition as a valuable income factor in all sectors of the economy.

As tourism expands in Namibia, many other industrial role players are gradually becoming aware of new marketing trends, such as tech-nological, socially economical or simple demographics. The tourist industry is gradually finding new ways of marketing Namibia and is gaining experience in offering its product in a more accessible, infor-mative, interactive, tangible and affordable manner to our visitors.Many establishments are incorporating new trends and technology in older mediums, to produce fresh and effective marketing packages.

Embracing Change


This enables them to compete globally, regionally and locally in an industry which strives to stay abreast of the current technological advances, to the benefit of all business leaders who are sufficiently open-minded to stay ahead in the marketing of their product.

These advances will gradually grant Namibia the ability to ensure that from the moment potential visitors con-sider Namibia as a destination and do their research, this country will feature prominently in their interest and that these visitors will have a true Namibian experi-ence.

Not only do new technological developments expose new markets and more efficient marketing means to the local industry, but are increasingly providing our visitors with more control of the manner in which they would like to experience this amazing destination, thereby placing Namibia on the travel map in a more transparent manner.

This is not only evident in technology but also in the way in which different marketing channels are cooperat-ing, be it in the websites, the social and printed media, public relations or smart phones – the marketing mix which is being changed daily! For a while it was be-lieved that the internet would cause the printed media to expire and the travel agent to disappear. The inter-net has however, caused these channels to change and the printed matter is no longer the medium for marketing to the masses, but has attained the ability to be an effective media in the local and regional niche markets.

As is evident in this issue, times are changing and differ-ent channels and media are beginning to affiliate with one another and are providing in turn, new and com-prehensive ways of marketing to the local travel indus-try, thereby presenting a consistent image of ‘Travelling – Namibia’ to both local and international markets.

Although Namibia has a great deal of ‘catching – up’ to do tourism – wise, with the rest of the world, the start of new beginnings is already showing and is provid-ing new opportunities for the presentation of Namibia to the world. Namibia is a unique experience which should now be increasingly apparent to all.

With the development of new trends, the Namibian travel sector should start becoming creative in using these opportunities and incorporating the old with the new in a comprehensive marketing mix. The industry should also market not only the security of its better growth as a major economical contributor, but also di-rectly stimulate greater action with new segments such as the domestic and regional markets, by supporting domestic tourism in Namibia.

So, let’s embrace what a changing world has to of-fer. Let’s make use of the potential which comes with change and put Namibia on the map, in the minds and on the coffee tables of each avid travellar, wheth-er from abroad or ‘just around the corner ‘ in our own country.


HOW TO LODGE A COMPLAINT

WITH NAMFISA

We want to hear from you, contact us:061 – 290 5000 P.O. Box 21250, Windhoek or SMS to 3030*

or Email: consumer@nam sa.com.na*normal SMS charges apply

If you feel aggrieved by any non-bank financial institution registered by NAMFISA and doing business in Namibia, kindly do the following:

- Ensure that you have a valid complaint by verifying with the NAMFISA Complaints Department at the following telephone numbers: 290 5134 or 290 51987- You will be required to first lodge your complaint with the financial institution concerned (in writing). If you fail to resolve the matter, then you can contact NAMFISA- Keep copies of all relevant documentation to send with the complaint and for record purposes- Keep copies of all correspondence between you and the financial institution- Do not send original copies unless required- Record names of the people at the financial institution, dates, contact details and other important information (this makes the investigation easier and faster to conclude)- If you complain on the phone, always follow up the call with a letter- Back up and substantiate your claim in writing as far as possible- Be clear on complaint matters

Complaints can be submitted by:- Email- Post- Hand (in person)- Fax- Website (internet)

NAMFISA: NAMFISA Complaints DepartmentPO Box 21250Windhoek

2nd Floor, Sanlam CentreFax: 061-290 5122www.namfisa.com.na

billboard june 2011

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