The Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) as private sector umbrella organization representing the interests of the registered commercial travel and tourism sector, recently elected a new Executive team with Ally Karaerua appointed as the new Chairperson.
In his first address, Karaerua emphasized that, as reflected in the compilation of the Executive committee, FENATA represents the diverse travel & tourism industry, as a voluntary organisation for Namibian Tourism Associations. These associations, while representing their specialized field, like Travel Agencies, Car Rentals, Tour Operations, Emerging Tourism, Tour Guides, Hunting and Accommodation, are united within FEANTA to serve the interests and to act as the united voice of tourism in Namibia in respect of common matters and issues to promote and foster the sound development of sustainable tourism in the country.
The key functions of FENATA, founded some 30 years ago, following a call by the then Tourism Minister of Namibia, include lobby work for the sector with relevant stakeholders both in public and private sector, to ensure that Namibia provides a conducive environment for sustainable tourism development across the entire country.
Within FENATA, member associations have the opportunity to deal with cross-hatching issues that are relevant to the overall tourism sector, and to advise on generic destination marketing of Namibia as a travel destination of choice.
Key focal areas of the Federation thus include accessibility to and within Namibia as destination, safety, sustainability of tourism and general economic development effecting Namibia’s landscapes and environment, as well as affordability.