Tourism sector optimistic about new tourism minister
Minister urged to steer sector in the right direction
The tourism sector are hopeful that while Indileni Daniel, the new tourism minister, is relatively unknown, she could provide a breath of fresh air and new ideas to the sector.
While Namibia's new environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel is relatively unknown within the industry, stakeholders have welcomed her appointment with excitement, hoping she will infuse the sector with a fresh perspective.
Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), said yesterday that Daniel's appointment seems aimed at injecting a breath of fresh air into the industry.
“We are optimistic about this move as the global tourism landscape is evolving rapidly and constantly, making it essential for governments to stay ahead of emerging trends while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.”
Paetzold said Daniel’s background in education, along with her dedication to community development and lifelong learning, makes her a highly suitable leader for Namibia's tourism industry.
Paetzold also noted that Daniel is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the ministry and its mandates.
“Yes, she may not have been involved in direct tourism matters previously, but, as we always say, 'tourism is everyone's business'. We see her appointment as a valuable new contribution to the overall tourism think tank", as she will bring with her some new and undoubtedly impactful ideas.”
Paetzold said Daniel’s passion for education and skills transfer as well as community development “is key to advance efforts to make tourism even more inclusive and open up more opportunities for Namibians to become part of this industry."
She added that "it is also important for us to focus on leveraging digital transformation, making use of digital platforms, be it for learning, which Daniel seems to have a wealth of experience in."
Willingness to engage
Chairperson of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum, Nrupesh Soni, said that the appointment of Daniel comes at a time when Namibia’s tourism sector is rebuilding and redefining itself post-pandemic.
“While she may not be a household name in the sector, fresh leadership hopefully brings fresh perspectives. If she approaches the role with openness, willingness to engage, and a clear roadmap, her appointment could present an opportunity to strengthen the ministry’s collaboration with the private sector and local communities.”
Soni said while Daniel may not have been at the forefront of tourism discussions or environmental advocacy circles, this does not necessarily disqualify her from being effective.
“What matters now is how quickly she immerses herself, listens to stakeholders and surrounds herself with experienced advisors. If she shows a willingness to learn and engage, the industry will likely support her.”
He did highlight that the absence of a deputy minister – a role that has been scrapped – might be a concern, as there will no longer be anyone to assist with the minister's transition into the ministry.
Nevertheless, he said he hopes the minister will “focus on positioning Namibia as a forward-thinking, sustainable tourism destination, while balancing conservation, community empowerment and economic growth.”
Key priorities should include addressing tourism investment bottlenecks, supporting digital transformation in marketing and permit systems, and ensuring that tourism policies are inclusive and locally beneficial, Soni said.
He added that Namibia’s tourism industry is resilient but also fragile.
“I would strongly encourage Daniel to consult widely, engage regularly and be transparent in her priorities. The sector is full of passionate individuals who are eager to contribute; she just needs to harness that collective energy and steer it in the right direction.”
Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), said yesterday that Daniel's appointment seems aimed at injecting a breath of fresh air into the industry.
“We are optimistic about this move as the global tourism landscape is evolving rapidly and constantly, making it essential for governments to stay ahead of emerging trends while promoting sustainability and inclusivity.”
Paetzold said Daniel’s background in education, along with her dedication to community development and lifelong learning, makes her a highly suitable leader for Namibia's tourism industry.
Paetzold also noted that Daniel is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the ministry and its mandates.
“Yes, she may not have been involved in direct tourism matters previously, but, as we always say, 'tourism is everyone's business'. We see her appointment as a valuable new contribution to the overall tourism think tank", as she will bring with her some new and undoubtedly impactful ideas.”
Paetzold said Daniel’s passion for education and skills transfer as well as community development “is key to advance efforts to make tourism even more inclusive and open up more opportunities for Namibians to become part of this industry."
She added that "it is also important for us to focus on leveraging digital transformation, making use of digital platforms, be it for learning, which Daniel seems to have a wealth of experience in."
Willingness to engage
Chairperson of the Namibia Travel and Tourism Forum, Nrupesh Soni, said that the appointment of Daniel comes at a time when Namibia’s tourism sector is rebuilding and redefining itself post-pandemic.
“While she may not be a household name in the sector, fresh leadership hopefully brings fresh perspectives. If she approaches the role with openness, willingness to engage, and a clear roadmap, her appointment could present an opportunity to strengthen the ministry’s collaboration with the private sector and local communities.”
Soni said while Daniel may not have been at the forefront of tourism discussions or environmental advocacy circles, this does not necessarily disqualify her from being effective.
“What matters now is how quickly she immerses herself, listens to stakeholders and surrounds herself with experienced advisors. If she shows a willingness to learn and engage, the industry will likely support her.”
He did highlight that the absence of a deputy minister – a role that has been scrapped – might be a concern, as there will no longer be anyone to assist with the minister's transition into the ministry.
Nevertheless, he said he hopes the minister will “focus on positioning Namibia as a forward-thinking, sustainable tourism destination, while balancing conservation, community empowerment and economic growth.”
Key priorities should include addressing tourism investment bottlenecks, supporting digital transformation in marketing and permit systems, and ensuring that tourism policies are inclusive and locally beneficial, Soni said.
He added that Namibia’s tourism industry is resilient but also fragile.
“I would strongly encourage Daniel to consult widely, engage regularly and be transparent in her priorities. The sector is full of passionate individuals who are eager to contribute; she just needs to harness that collective energy and steer it in the right direction.”
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