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“Building Bridges between Rural Communities with Tourism Products”. Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations NACSO. Overview. Workshop organised by NNF / FENATA Funding source SIDA Date: 22 nd -23 rd March 07 / Safari Hotel Conference, Windhoek
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“Building Bridges between Rural Communities with Tourism Products” Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations NACSO
Overview • Workshop organised by NNF / FENATA • Funding source SIDA • Date: 22nd -23rd March 07 / Safari Hotel Conference, Windhoek • Attendance to workshop 78 participants • Private Sector- Tour Operators & Hunting association reps • SME Sector in Tourism • 12 NGO’s and Conservancy Representatives
Barriers identification in terms of groups • Rural Conservancy Group • General Mistrust between GRN, Private Sector, and Communities ( History, unequal wealth distribution, black upcoming tour operators not using the products from conservancies) • Infrastructure development in rural areas are non-existent) • Conditions of Joint Investments sometimes unequal ( communities not getting fair deals, payments not done on time, payments or agreements not honoured) • Banks not willing to lend money to tourism operations in rural areas • Lack of respect to Traditional Authority and Traditions
Continue • Fear of competition among amongst and from established lodges and touropertors (not willing to promote SME’s) • Lack of Private Sector programs
Private Sector • Clarify each parties expectation • Balancing political issues ( operators do not often local dynamics • Who is the local communities ? Who is in charge? ( Fights among local community structures) • Lack of basic business knowledge • Legislative and policy deficiencies • Lack of transparency and openess on both sides • Institutionalised distrust of private sector by goverment
Private Sector Cont’ • JV’s – Showed that continuity and persistence are key factors leading to success ( misunderstandings, lack of knowledge, cultural attitudes) • Private real concerns: Contract periods , Hunting zoning, • NGO’s was also adressed: Are NGO’s informed enough on business practices?
Five top barriers • FINANCE AND SECURITY- LAND TENURE –Land Boards, • POLICY ISSUES – Conscession Policy, National Tourism Plan • Capacity and Training –lack of mentorship • Communication –Lack of understanding- Tourism Awareness • Lack of trust between the private sector and communities
Reccommendations • More interest in understanding each other (develop a code of conduct) • Private Sector support for emerging tourism SME’s ( encouraged to join main stream Associations, focus on real business / profit-making skills • Setting up a think tank to develop Capacity building Programs • Lobbying & tourism awareness programs and activities developed and jointly undertaken.