Namibia: flights between Eros Airport and Ondangwa are resumed

Air Namibia flights between the Eros and Ondangwa airports were suspended on Friday because of the shortening of the Ondangwa airstrip.

The Ondangwa airport is undergoing major renovations and construction work affects the runway.

The company said in a media statement availed to Nampa on Friday that it puts the highest priority on safety, and will continuously ensure that it works in a safe environment.

Flights in and out of the Ondangwa airport resumed on Saturday.

Namibia: White Lady Guest House & Camping in Uis

This lovingly appointed B&B is located in Uis and named after the famous rock painting at the Brandberg - the “White Lady”,. There is 6 comfortable en-suite rooms opposite the sparkling pool. Behind the main house is a camp site with own splash pool and ablution block. Birdwatching waterhole at camping area. Ideally situated with a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere. Safe parking is available. Also an annexed guesthouse with 7 twin rooms with self-catering facilities.

Namibia: awards for Windhoek Country Club and Resort employees

A number of Windhoek Country Resort and Casino Resort (WCCR) workers received prizes and certificates for long service and successfully completing training courses. Ceremony was held at WCCR recently. Those who got long service awards were recognised for continuously working for the hotel for five to 20 years.

WCCR General Manager, Tony Boucher described the day as a special one for the hotel to thank its staff for their long service, successful attendance of training courses and exceptional service and dedication.

“Achieving five years at a company today is already great, never mind 20 years. We are thankful for our employees’ dedication and commitment to the Windhoek Country Club Resort and Casino and ask them to stick around even longer as they are the glue that holds us all together.

“Their knowledge, expertise and love of the hospitality industry makes us shine,” Boucher said.

In handing out the training certificates, Boucher said staff received training in a variety of departments such as housekeeping, food and beverage as well as front office.
He said the training was important as it made a huge difference in the hotel. “Our employees received above 95% for their training and the exams they wrote. I am extremely proud of them. Through training we better ourselves and coupled with our passion we will keep our edge when it comes to the opposition.”

At the occasion, the WCCR also announced the employee of the year. Seth Murorua, Paulina Tuyoleni and Martin Haukongo were part of the top four, while Housekeeping supervisor Aletta Fleermys was crowned employee of the year.

The employees were recognised for “working extremely hard” throughout the year and for going beyond the call of duty at all times. They were rewarded with great prizes, with overall winner, Fleermys, receiving additional prizes of a weekend in the sister hotel in Swakopmund as well as a cell phone.

Boucher also thanked special employee, Tate John ‘The Rock’ Modino who retires after 20 years of service at the WCCR. “Thank you for your hard work, setting of great example, always being on time, not a single disciplinary case in 20 years. Your place will be very hard to fill.”

Namibia: global tourism event in 2015

The 5th International Symposium and Annual Conference of the Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism in Namibia next year is a clear indication that the country becomes one of the world’s leading destinations, Namibian Tourism and Environment Minister Uahekua Herunga said on Thursday. Namibia will host the conference from February 23-25 under the theme, “Advancing Sustainable Tourism: Securing the Legacy of our Cultural and Natural Heritage”.

The Global Partnership for Sustainable Tourism (GPST) is an initiative under the United Nations Environment Program with the main object to introduce sustainable principles into the mainstream of global tourism.

Herunga told journalists that the GPST is recognising Namibia’s achievements in becoming one of the world’s leading destinations working to find the most effective balance between conservation, tourism and community development.

“Namibia is ready to showcase to the world the spirit and essence of a nation committed to conservation and community empowerment through social and economic transformation, partnerships and innovation,” he said.

Herunga said Namibia was the only country in Africa that has an expanding, free-roaming population of lion and giraffe, an expanding elephant population and the largest cheetah population in the world.

Mozambique: Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa news

Indigo Bay Island Resort and Spa has been re-branded Anantara Bazaruto Island Resort & Spa.
Rani Resorts still owns the hotel but have entered into a joint venture with international luxury hotel brand, Anantara, (part of the Minor group) to manage and operate the hotel.
This partnership promises a positive future for both companies and the hotel, as well as for Mozambique as a tourism destination.

Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge update

Victoria Falls: Ilala Lodge update

Positive news from Air Namibia

Air Namibia: New Heights Reached in 2014
Confidence is returning to Namibia’s national carrier, Air Namibia, as reflected in current sales volumes. This was one of several positive outlooks Rene Gsponer, Air Namibia’s Chief
Operations Officer (COO), shared during a celebratory evening at the 2014 Air Namibia Travel Agency Awards.

Fact:
Air Namibia carries just under half a million passengers per year.
 
Gsponer added that the parastatal is proud “to announce that for the third month, we have managed to attain financial break even. This is a historical first for Air Namibia”.
He noted that part of the upward trend is due to the adoption of a five year business plan in 2011 during which a lot of initiatives have been implemented. “A lot of these initiatives resulted in improved efficiency and service standards … A lot of work still lies ahead but Air Namibia is committed to reaching the best in class standard”, he said.
 
Fact:
Air Namibia has marketing representatives in 8 African Countries, 15 European Countries, 2 North American Countries and 4 Asian Countries He highlighted several initiatives that have contributed to the outcomes, including the implementation of supporting systems in operations, which have contributed to the improvement of ‘on time performance’ – from last years 74% dispatch reliability to the current average of 94% in 2014.
 
Fact:
Air Namibia currently operates the youngest fleet of aircraft in Africa & was named as the greenest airline in Africa in a IATA report due to the fuel efficiency of their new A330s
Gsponer praised Air Namibia’s collaborators, be it in-house staff or outside players, such as
travel agents, for their hand in the wave of positive outcomes.

Fact:
Together with Namibia Tourism Board, Air Namibia creates between 60 to 80 Million Euros per annum in media value towards the marketing of Namibia as a destination.

During the evening Nathaly Ahrens, Air Namibia Manager at Sales & Marketing, presented a
number of highlights related to Sales and Operational Statistics.
Sales:
. IATA BSP Agents grew by 24% in the last financial year – “Double digits! It is unheard of
in the international aviation industry”, she said.
. Contributions to Air Namibia Sales by Travel Agents remains higher than 55% “year-on-
year”, over the last three years.
. Namibia is the 2nd largest contributor of passenger sales out of all 54 countries where
the airlines tickets are up for sale. This is up from the 3rd biggest market previously.
. Germany remains the biggest market, contributing 30% of sales and Namibia contributes
25% of total passenger revenue.

. From April 2014 to September 2014, sales turnover for Air Namibia amounted to N$265
million, compared to N$217 million for the same period in 2013. This is a 22% growth in
the first half of this financial year.
Performance:
. Average On-Time performance shot up from a 74% dispatch reliability to 94% from April
2013 to September 2014. The industry average is approximately 70%.
. On average Completion Rate between April 2013 to September 2014 as been in excess
of 98%. The industry average is approximately 93%.
. According to Flightview, Air Namibia’s On-Time Performance is amongst the top 10
airlines in the world.

Europcar Zambia festive season schedule

Europcar Zambia wishes a festive season and a happy new year!
Herewith the details for the festive season for all branches:

24th December 2014
Wednesday – closing at 12.00
25th December 2014
Christmas Day – closed
26th December 2014
Closed due to public holiday
27th December 2014
Saturday - open 08.00 – 11.00
31st December 2014
Wednesday – closing at 12.00
1st January 2015
Thursday – closed
02nd of January 2015
Closed due to public holiday
3rd January 2015
Saturday - open 08.00 – 11.00

Travel Emergency Numbers for each branch:

Chingola
0966860651 / 0977860651
Ndola
0965870659
Kitwe
0966860950 / 0977860656
Lusaka
0966860643

Namibia: Villa Verdi Windhoek closing down

Upmarket hotel Villa Verdi in Windhoek will be closed from 01 January 2015 until further notice.

Botswana: maintenance update from Thamalakane River Lodge

Thamalakane River Lodge’s, Botswana, Babbler units will close for maintenance between 01 – 15 February 2015. All other units will then close between 15 and 28 February 2015 for maintenance.