KAMANJAB: A group of thirty tourist guides from the Kunene and Erongo regions have successfully completed their training programs, culminating in a certificate presentation ceremony held on Friday at a lodge outside Kamanjab in the Sensfontein Constituency. The guides, who are integral to the local tourism industry, have undergone extensive on-the-job training to enhance their skills and knowledge.
According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), Forestry and Tourism, the training program, which encompassed Levels 1, 2, and 3, was a collaborative effort funded by the German Development Cooperation GIZ in cooperation with the Ministry. The program’s primary goal was to promote economic activities based on the sustainable use of biodiversity. The group of graduates includes 16 tourist guides from the Ombonde People’s Landscape in the Kunene Region and 14 from the Brandberg Landscape conservation areas in Erongo.
Minister Pohamba Shifeta, who officiated the event, emphasized the significance of tour guides in the tourism industry. He acknowledged the support of the German Development Cooperation GIZ in providing the necessary resources and training to enhance the capabilities of local tour guides. Shifeta also highlighted other value chains supported by the cooperation, such as nature-based tourism, crafts, digital value creation, wildlife-based value chains, and the installation of water infrastructure in tourism campsites owned by community members.
Minister Shifeta called on conservancy committees to allocate over 50% of their income generated from concessions and conservation activities to support local communities, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He warned that conservancies failing to appropriately channel funds from tourism activities could expect stringent measures from his office in 2024.
Several graduates expressed their gratitude for the training opportunity and requested further assistance from the GIZ to advance their qualifications to Level 4. The training was conducted by Ongula Homestead Skills and Technical Education Academic vocational training, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the region’s tourism sector.