N$6
namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7079 FRIDAY 16 AUGUST 2024 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
inside Erongo on Course to Tourism Recovery ErongoRED
87.4% Increase in tourism arrivals
Marshallino Beukes
Lights up Harambee Location
According to Ms Annet Kotting, a member of the Erongo Regional Tourism Forum, the overall outlook for tourism in the Erongo Region is optimistic. This was her observation at a press conference at the Governor's office in Swakopmund on Wednesday, where members of the Erongo media were updated on the tourism performance in the Re-
gion. Ms Kotting noted that after the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global tourism, the Namibian Government has put together a roadmap which is the Namibia Tourism Sector Recovery Plan
(2022 – 2024) to aid the recovery process of the sector. The fact that the tourism sector in the Erongo Region has recorded an increase of 60% in the first quarter of the year in terms of rooms occupancy rate,
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Walvis Bay airport shows 62% Marshallino Beukes recovery rate The Erongo Region has become home to the second largest International Airport in the country, second to Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek.
Neonatal ICU Nears Completion Rudi Bowe
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) constructed at a cost of N$26 million at the Swakopmund District Hospital is expected to be completed before the end of this year. The Ministry of Health and Social Services, after recognising the need for Neonatal ICU to serve not only Swakopmund, but also nearby towns in the Erongo region, awarded the million-dollar tender to Shatty Construction in 2020. However, the tender had to be cancelled, as Shatty Construction delay
the construction and thus failed to complete the much-needed the Neonatal ICU at the coastal town. The tender for the construction of the ICU, which will have a 28-bed capacity divided into 12 standard care beds, six high-care beds, six intensive care unit (ICU) beds and four Continues on page 2
According to statistics, the Walvis Bay International Airport saw a total of 79 763 passengers either departing from or arriving in the Erongo region via the Airport for 2023. This represents a notable increase in tourist traffic, with a rise from 2.2% to 8.9% in passenger statistics, compared to pre-COVID levels, indicating a recovery rate of 62% in passenger numbers. During a press conference this week in Swakopmund, Ms Annet Kotting from the Erongo Regional Tourism Forum emphasised the significant milestone in the Wal-
vis Bay Airport's history, when it successfully accommodated an Airbus A340 during May this year. “This event, featuring the visit of the King of Belgium, demonstrated the airport's capability to handle larger aircraft, showcasing its advanced infrastructure,” she remarked. Ms Kotting further informed the media present that the airport has acquired a state-of-the-art Rosenbauer aircraft firefighting vehicle at a cost of N$ 16 million to further bolster safety measures and support the handling of larger aircraft. She explained that this upgrade is
crucial for maintaining high safety standards as the airport's operations expand. She also noted that Airlink has responded to growing demand by adding an extra flight to Cape Town, bringing the total to two flights per day. Additionally, Airlink continues to offer one daily flight to Johannesburg, enhancing connectivity to the region and improving travel options for passengers. However, despite all the achievements and positive trends, the tourism sector recorded various challenges, as per Ms Kotting. One of Continues on page 2
NAMPOL Chief Responds to Complaints Regarding Unfair Treatment of Seven-seater operators
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Nuwe besem vir Usakos
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Sports News
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