Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism, highlighted Namibia’s advancements in tourism and investment at the University of Science and Technology during the launch of the ‘Tourism Doing Business’ guide. He emphasized the nation’s growth in foreign direct investment and the importance of sustainable and inclusive development while recalling his previous visits and successful events held in the country.
Zurab Pololikashvili, the Secretary General of UN Tourism, recently addressed the audience at the University of Science and Technology, noting the visionary words of late Namibian President Hage Geingob regarding the youth’s role as the “custodians of tomorrow.” This occasion also marked the launch of the ‘Tourism Doing Business’ Investment Guide dedicated to Namibia.
During his speech, Pololikashvili reflected on his past visits to Namibia, beginning with an introduction by President Geingob in November 2020 and followed by the First ‘Brand Africa’ Forum in 2021, organized by UN Tourism. He expressed the successful outcome of the forum and highlighted Namibia’s significant advancements in attracting investment and enhancing infrastructure for responsible tourism.
He noted a remarkable rise in foreign direct investment, amounting to $2.6 billion in 2023, crediting contributions from China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom for diversifying Namibia’s economy into tourism, agriculture, and financial services. Pololikashvili emphasized that the newly developed guide encompasses a commitment to sustainable and inclusive development in the tourism sector.
Moreover, he urged for the use of real-time market data that would empower tourism stakeholders to devise better strategies and secure funding effectively in a competitive global marketplace. In his speech entitled ‘Sustainable Tourism: Harnessing Technology, Inclusion and Heritage for a Resilient Future,’ he reviewed Namibia’s advancements, such as improved roads and expanded port facilities, asserting the need to create both thriving industries and a sustainable future for all.
In conclusion, Zurab Pololikashvili’s remarks at the University of Science and Technology reinforced Namibia’s progress in building a robust and sustainable tourism sector. The launch of the ‘Tourism Doing Business’ guide is pivotal for future investments, focusing on inclusivity and innovation. Pololikashvili’s vision underscores the importance of leveraging technology and data in fostering a resilient and diverse economy for Namibia, setting a guiding model for Africa and beyond.
Original Source: thediplomatinspain.com
