Etotha Carnival aims to improve rural tourism development
Written by on July 3, 2024
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) says the recently held Etotha Carnival will improve sustainable heritage tourism development within Namibia’s rural communities.
“Held under the theme ‘Safeguarding the Jubilant Pans to Enhance the Tang for our Future Generation – Uutoye womongwa gwetu!’, the carnival aims to revitalise the tourism sector while celebrating the nation’s rich cultural legacy,” tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said in a recent media statement.
Shifeta said the ministry drew inspiration from the successful Makgadikgadi Epic in Botswana and deputy minister Heather Sibungo conceptualised a similar event for Namibia in 2022.
“Through the unwavering commitment of the MEFT team and the establishment of strategic partnerships with the Namibia Tourism Board and the Ondonga Traditional Authority, this vision has now come to fruition.”
The Etotha Carnival serves a multifaceted purpose, aiming to empower local communities, enhance the livelihoods of local communities by stimulating economic activity and foster the creation of new business opportunities, he added.
Shifeta noted that the carnival represents a significant milestone within Namibia’s tourism recovery plan. He extended an invitation for further partnerships to develop innovative tourism products and broaden the spectrum of tourism offerings within the country.
“This collaborative approach is paramount to attracting both domestic and international tourists, enriching the visitor experience and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Namibia’s tourism industry.”
Shifeta also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the Etotha Carnival’s success.
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