Elzanne Erasmus
IS NAMIBIA THE MOST COMPETITIVE AND DESIRABLE
TOURISM DESTINATION IN 2018? A chronicle of the 30 constructive years of the oldest, longest serving tourism association in Namibia. Tourism truly is an industry of “Denim & Diamonds” – where hard work and tough attire are essential. An industry that offers countless encounters to expose the glitz and glamour which a country like Namibia holds in terms of its uniquely beautiful environment, its amazing diversity of fauna and flora, its cultural diversity, the wealth of colourful gemstones hidden beneath Namibian rock and sand and the warm hospitality of its people. "Denim & Diamonds" is the perfect motto for HAN's 30th Anniversary Gala, aptly hosted at the Safari Hotel in Windhoek, where the Hospitality Association of Namibia was founded 30 years ago and which has been a member of HAN ever since. Looking back over the past 30 years, HAN has had a major influence on the developments in tourism in our country. The consistency, perseverance and dedication of the Association to raise issues in the interest of our tourism sector are evident throughout. HAN may not be able to tick off boxes point-by-point on issues raised with authorities, but we have always been part of the conversation.
1987 By Gitta Paetzold.
Based on its constitution, drafted by Johnie Hamman in the summer of 1987, the Hotel Association of SWA/Namibia was established in March 1988 at the Safari Hotel in Windhoek. Fifteen hoteliers attended the first AGM and seven hotels joined as members. Johnnie was elected Chairman and Tom Mutavdzic of Canyon Hotel in Keetmanshoop his deputy. With Tim Parkhouse and Jutta Kasimir of Namib Sun Hotels (now O&L Leisure), Ria von Seydlitz of Immenhof Guest Farm and André Snyman of Hotel Schweizerhaus they formed the first Exco.
1988 4
WWW.TRAVELNEWSNAMIBIA.COM
1990
Namibia gains independence The Association is renamed the Hospitality Association of Namibia, HAN. Chairman: Tom Mutavdzic The first Tourism Minister, Nico Bessinger, attends.
1991
The New Namibian Era Chairman: Tom Mutavdzic, Vice: Peter Kastner