People visit a site in Namibia's capital Windhoek on Sept. 27, 2020, the World Tourism Day. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)

 

A local tour guide narrates historical events about Namibia to locals and visitors during a tour in the Namibian capital of Windhoek on Sept. 27, 2020, the World Tourism Day. (Photo by Ndalimpinga Iita/Xinhua)

 
Tourism enterprises and operators in Namibia on Sunday organized excursions to mark the World Tourism Day.

At a popular heritage site in the Namibian capital Windhoek, Taimi Shivute, a local tour guide narrated historical events to locals and tourists during a free Windhoek city walk tour. Shivute, attached to tour operator Chameleon Safaris Namibia, was ecstatic.

It is the first tour and activity the enterprise organized in six months since COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.

As part of the tour, locals and visitors were taken to heritage sites such as museums, famous places and historical buildings among others.

"That way, people learn and experience the capital city through a different lens. Undertaking the tour re-ignited my passion for tourism," said Shivute, who is also a tourism student at a local college.

The focus of the city tour aimed to demonstrate to the local and broader international community that Namibia's tourism is active, according to Jessica Pretorius, office manager at Chameleon Safaris Namibia.

"Although operations have been slow since the country opened up borders for international travel, we are hopeful for business to pick-up gradually and showcase Namibia to both local and international visitors," Pretorius said.

During the tour, the guides also applied strict measure and COVID-19 precautions such as wearing masks, sanitization and hosting small groups per tour.

"As such, we had two tours, one in the morning and late afternoon," Pretorius said.

Meanwhile, Helena, who participated in the tour, said that she was reminded of the rich history of the country and reinforced cultural heritage.

"Coming from the hospitality fraternity, I also observed how exciting tourism is, and its potential to propel many individuals into prosperity," she said.

The observance of the 2020 World Tourism Day comes at a time when Namibia is looking to revive the reeling sector and broader economic recovery.

Namibian President Hage Geingob said on Sunday that tourism is a crucial component of the service industry and economic driver, serving as an engine of job creation.