Fascinating glimpses of life in Namibia

More than 300 exhibitors are expected for this year's Expo. Brochures Namibia is participating for the third time. "It is important to establish contacts to new clients and revive existing ones", says Gisela Gross from the Windhoek-based company. At her stand at the fair one of her staffers will demonstrate how to make small beaded craft items. And a new map of Windhoek will be on show. "A map of the coast and a map of the whole country are also in the making, but they might not be ready in time for the Expo", says Gross. Participation in the Expo is very important for her work, she adds, to make visitors aware that her company is still in business.

Lee-Ann Lorenz of Wilddog & Crazy Kudu Safaris in Windhoek also feels that it is very important to be represented at the tourism fair. "We want to show who we are and what we offer", she says. She participates for the second time and is looking forward to meeting visitors from Namibia and abroad. "Talking to people and exchanging views is fun", says Lee-Ann Lorenz. Camping gear is on show at her stand and visitors can find out all the details they want to know about the tours offered by the safari company.

Looking ahead at the upcoming 2010 Soccer World Cup in South Africa the Expo is a tremendous opportunity for tourism in Namibia to show what the country has to offer. This is the view of Charlotte Shigwedha of Mondesa Township Tours in Swakopmund. She, too, wants to present her business and establish contacts to new clients. "The Expo is a great platform for that", Charlotte Shigwedha maintains. She expects that the fair will attract scores of visitors from all over the world. "We need to showcase our culture and impress visitors with attractive glimpses of life in Namibia", she says.
Finesse Hospitality Support Services in Windhoek represents 17 client companies at the Expo, including Okahandja Lodge, Nubib Nature Camp or Guest Farm Okomitundu. "We have a wide range of products, from low budget facilities to luxury accommodation", says Steffie Gerber who will be at the tourism fair for the fourth time. According to her the most important thing about the Expo is parti-cipation and to make fellow Namibians aware that they also have the opportunity to travel in their own country. "It is not true that everything is expensive", she emphasizes. "Each lodge has its own advantages. While the one is better suited for individual travellers another one caters for tourist groups". She doesn't want to give away what visitors can expect to find at her stand - it's going to be a surprise.

As always, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is part and parcel of the Expo. According to NWR's Tangeni Kaulu the organisation expects to establish new contacts at the Expo, followed by brisk business. Onkoshi Camp, the new restcamp in Etosha National Park, will be the in the limelight at the NWR stand. Situated directly on Etosha Pan, the exclusive camp will welcome its first group of guests in October. Ai-Ais in the south will also be highlighted at the fair. The restcamp at the Fish River Canyon is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled to reopen in October. "Apart from the new products we will of course also exhibit the tried and tested ones", says Tangeni Kaulu.

Stefanie Huschke-Noßwitz