Windhoek needs more attractions, says hospitality association

Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) chief executive Gitta Paetzold says a number of tourists find Windhoek boring, saying the city does not have much to offer in terms of attractions.

She was commenting on urban tourism within Namibia’s largest city boundaries.

The association represents the full spectrum of the hospitality industry from hotels to guest houses, guest farms, lodges, rest camps, restaurants, conference centres and catering services.

Paetzold told The Namibian last week that the feedback the association often gets from tourists is that the city does not have events, and the stories around existing museums and historical buildings are not properly told.

Many foreign visitors to Namibia start their adventure in Windhoek after arriving at the Hosea Kutako International Airport before they disappear to different tourism destinations.

“Some visitors do the city (tours) on their own, while we do have tour operators who offer city tours, Katutura on bike, and other means,” Paetzold said.