Windhoek: The Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, on Tuesday launched the Namibia Convention Bureau. In her keynote address, Daniel emphasized that the new bureau represents a significant shift for tourism and economic development in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Daniel described the bureau as a critical element of the tourism sector recovery plan and the national spatial tourism master plan, which prioritize business events at the national level. The bureau aims to expand the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry to diversify tourism and bolster the economy.

Daniel highlighted that Namibia has hosted 36 international conferences over the past two years, including prominent events such as African Union meetings and the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit. These events have contributed millions to the economy and supported job creation. She pointed out that Namibia previously lacked a coordinated national mechanism to attract and manage such events, a gap now addressed by the Namibia Convention Bureau.

Furthermore, Daniel noted the alignment of the MICE industry with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's initiative to create 500,000 jobs, as the sector provides employment opportunities across multiple fields such as hospitality, transport, logistics, catering, technology, small businesses, and professional services.

To facilitate international participation, the government has modernized legislation, streamlined processes, and introduced a MICE visa. Daniel called on investors, venue owners, hotel developers, service providers, and entrepreneurs to collaborate with the government in enhancing conference facilities, accommodation capacity, technology infrastructure, and professional event services.

Daniel concluded by asserting that the launch signifies Namibia's readiness to compete in the global business events market.