Where you need to be
It may be a lot quieter than some of our other neighbours, but don’t mistake Namibia for a sleepy hollow country. In fact, it’s just the opposite. No longer a well-kept secret, Namibia’s business and leisure tourism are at an all-time high.
Namibia is a country focussed on quality over quantity and its well-developed, modern infrastructure has helped create an ideal destination for smaller-scale MICE tourism activities, conferences, events and conventions. It’s gained a valuable reputation as a stable multicultural democracy with strong support systems that provide facilities for international conferences of up to 2 000 delegates.
The country’s unique selling point is undoubtedly its exquisite landscapes and with the dramatic contrast of desert and beach, and the first-class capital city Windhoek, it’s a true African gem.
From translators and interpreters to sound stations and AV equipment, it remains at the forefront of modern technology. There are a number of conference venues to choose from in Windhoek and smaller groups can be accommodated throughout the country. Lodges, guest houses and the vast Namib Desert provide stunning conferencing settings.
As the hub of Namibia’s economy, Windhoek is understandably the destination of choice when it comes to business tourism. Legacy’s Windhoek Country Club Resort offers business people, conference delegates and leisure travellers the best of rustic and modern day Namibia. With conference facilities for up to an impressive 800 delegates, complimentary Internet access and foreign exchange, the hotel is 100% business traveller friendly. When the meetings and conferences are done and dusted, delegates can enjoy some downtime trying their luck in the Desert Jewel Casino, spend the afternoon lying by the aptly named Lazy River, or enjoy a relaxed game of golf on the beautifully manicured 18-hole golf course.
Flights to and from Namibia is a hassle-free experience, with daily connections from both Europe and many African destinations. Windhoek is a mere 40 km from Hosea Kutako International Airport and an abundance of shuttles, buses, and taxis makes getting around very easy.
From the city to something a bit more on the rustic side: Legacy’s Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre lies at the edge of the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast. The hotel has been designed to complement the architecture of the historic (circa 1902) station building, which today forms part of the hotel’s public areas.
The Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre provides the perfect balance between charming, old-world tradition and the thrill and excitement of modern day entertainment. Business meetings are well catered for with a wide range of options and optional extras. Conference and event organisers can choose from a number of fully air-conditioned venues, perfect for screenings, lectures and presentations.
“A function should run on oiled wheels and seem effortless. This is where we come in. Let us oil the wheels for you to impress your guests. It’s our job,” says Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre’s general manager, Janet Wilson-Moore. The Courtyard is the ideal venue for various action-packed outdoor activities such as open-air concerts, sports events and market days. A tent can be erected in this area to convert it into an indoor arena.
“Meetings in Namibia are anything but typical. Whether planning conferences, summits, seminars or conventions, the country has the ability and infrastructure to suit any requirement and is quickly becoming popular for its wilderness-based incentives. Namibia has multiple venues that offer all in-house services including catering, logistics, planning and equipment,” adds Wilson-Moore. She continues: “Namibia also offers a wide variety of entertainment and team building activities.”
The Namibian Tourism Board has a saying: “You can leave Namibia, but Namibia will never leave you.” We can believe it.
Useful contacts:
The Namibian Tourism Board www.namibiatourism.com.na
Windhoek Country Club Resort www.windhoek.co.za
Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre www.swakopmundhotel.co.za
