UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili recently commended Namibia as a guiding model for Africa and the world during his address at the University of Science and Technology, highlighting significant investments and developments in the country. He introduced the ‘Tourism Doing Business’ guide, focusing on sustainable and inclusive growth. Pololikashvili’s reflections on Namibia’s progress underscore its potential to shape the future of tourism and economic diversification.
During a recent address at the University of Science and Technology, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili highlighted Namibia as a significant guiding model for both Africa and the global community. He referenced the late President Hage Geingob’s call for renewed confidence in youth, underlining the importance of their role in shaping the future.
Pololikashvili’s visit coincided with the inauguration of Namibia’s new president, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. He recalled his prior visits in 2020 and 2021, during which he met President Geingob and inaugurated the First ‘Brand Africa’ Forum, connecting various leaders across the continent.
He praised Namibia’s substantial advancements in attracting investments and enhancing infrastructure, noting impressive foreign direct investment growth to $2.6 billion in 2023. The contributions from nations like China, South Africa, and the UK demonstrate Namibia’s diversification into sectors beyond mining, specifically tourism, agriculture, and financial services.
Pololikashvili introduced the ‘Tourism Doing Business’ investment guide, emphasizing inclusive development and sustainability as focal points of investments. He stressed the necessity for tourism to empower local communities and proposed adopting real-time market data to improve funding strategies and responsiveness in a competitive environment.
In his speech titled ‘Sustainable Tourism: Harnessing Technology, Inclusion and Heritage for a Resilient Future,’ he reflected on Namibia’s growth in infrastructure, including enhanced road networks, expanded port facilities, and a commitment to innovation, advocating for a sustainable and bright future for the nation that could serve as a model for others.
The remarks by Zurab Pololikashvili at the University of Science and Technology underscore Namibia’s potential as a framework for sustainable tourism and development in Africa. His endorsement of inclusive policymaking and use of real-time data reflects a progressive approach towards fostering a resilient tourism industry. Namibia’s advancements in investment and infrastructure position it as a key player in diversifying its economy, inspiring other nations to follow its model.
Original Source: thediplomatinspain.com
