Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is actively denouncing recent violent attacks on international tourists and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance security, preserving Namibia’s status as a safe global destination.
According to Romeo Muyunda, the spokesperson for the Ministry, there has been a notable surge in various forms of attacks, such as robberies and assaults, across the entire country. This alarming trend is a matter of great concern for all stakeholders within the tourism sector and, indeed, for the nation as a whole. Notably, a significant number of these incidents have been reported in the Windhoek and Okahandja regions.
“We must, in our respective capacities as Namibians, have no tolerance for crimes committed against tourists or any other crime where vulnerable members of society and innocent tourists are victims. The safety of our country and of our international visitors has always been our unique proposition and has given Namibia an added advantage as a tourist destination of choice,” said Muyunda.
Muyunda also mentioned that the Ministry is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies to address the issue of crimes against tourists. He pointed out that the ministry has noticed a shift in criminal gangs targeting tourists. Through their ongoing discussions with the Namibian Police, it is anticipated that authorities will develop a strong surveillance and intelligence system to apprehend these criminals effectively.
“The Ministry is grateful for the Gondwana Collection, who instituted a reward system for those that can identify the criminals that target lodges. This is a commendable exercise worth emulating. Assaults on visitors and international tourists in the country have severe and detrimental impact on the growth and recovery of the country’s tourism economy and sector, which is just beginning to find its feet two years after the devastating impact caused by the outbreak of Covid-19,” said Muyunda.
Muyunda remarked that stakeholders should coordinate in order to root out this unwanted enemy, and the nation should collectively protect the very important sector of tourism as a symbol of the country’s pride and identity as a peaceful people.
“In Namibia, tourism has a multiplier effect as it contributes significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the Country; the creation of new businesses and employment opportunities as well as income generation especially for communities in rural areas leading to social and economic empowerment of many people,’” he concluded.
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