Namibia embraces Botswana�s beach party export

Spira Tlhankane | Thursday May 26, 2016 14:04

 

Even though Botswana is landlocked with no ocean and beaches nearby, a group of young Batswana came up with an idea to host a beach party years ago and it was associated with all sorts of negativity.  After too much criticism and challenges with the law, Flying Promotions exported their idea to Walvis Bay in Namibia on December 31, 2015 to the warm reception of the Namibians.  In a recent interview with Showbiz, the Minister of Environment and Tourism in Namibia, Pohamba Shifeta said more and more people are coming to Namibia as a result of annual events like the beach party.  He said the event in December also attracted people from other neighbouring countries like South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Shifeta said foreigners should come and add value to the Namibian tourism sector.

“We are now looking at the global view.  They are also putting the Namibian name out there,” he said.  The Chief Executive Officer of NTB, Digu Naobeb told Showbiz in an interview that they have been working comprehensively with the organisers of the beach party to stage another event this year. “In Namibia we are all about openness.  We are now at the organisers' level with this beach party.  It started off in Botswana and moved to Namibia.  It is adventure tourism.  It is very important,” he said.

Naobeb said as NTB they support the event and it would benefit their country because Batswana will come to visit.