Change is a constant and we have to be prepared and ready to negotiate our strategies and our plans in order to continue being competitive in this industry.
In this time we have seen the establishment of the NTB, the “legalisation” of the industry, setting of standards, the tremendous impact of the internet, the total restructuring of the normal travel agency and tour operator, research on various issues done by the MET and NTB, new marketing channels opening up, the growth of the Holiday and Travel Expo, the private sector’s growth to an organized group looking after the interests of the industry and many more.
In this changing environment the B&B and Guest house sector had to find its feet not only as a “legal” role player, but also as a contributor to this vast industry. It had to deal with an educational growth that could be related to a full school and extra curricular career inclusive of a doctorate in a very short time. We had to learn about rack rates and STO rates, what it means when asked if it is commissionable or not, what the industry requires to accept our sector as role player, but also what is required from our guests and how to reach out to potential guests. We had to train our staff and explain what tourism means and how it can affect or impact our lives.
Above all we had to find ways and means to compete in this extremely competitive environment with limited funds and still make an impact. This meant finding out about USP’s and the strength of branding and many more complicated concepts.
I believe the B&BAN has certainly played its role in this growth and development. Looking at the last year and a couple of months we were actively busy with the following:
1. Participation in the first NTB Roadshow in South Africa tied together with the Getaway Show in Cape Town.
2. Setting up relations with BABASA and GHASA.
3. Working on the HAN/B&BAN Relationship
4. Dealing with the FENATA restructuring.
5. Sitting on and actively participating in the Standards Advisory Committee of the NTB.
6. Working with the Marketing Advisory Committee of the NTB.
7. Representing the entire industry on the Etosha Centenary Committee
8. Being a part of the Levy Extensions Committee.
9. Arranging and attending meetings for members in Keetmanshoop, Windhoek and Swakopmund.
10. Putting together and distributing Wanderings through Namibia second edition – the guidebook for B&B’s and Guest houses
11. Updating the B&BAN Website regularly
12. Dealing with the statistics and the impact of this on the market via the Statistics department of the NTB
13. Representing the members at the Star Grading committee
14. Meetings with Windhoek Municipality on the Development programme and our participation in this programme.
15. Attending the NAPHA AGM and other invited functions
16. Attending the feedback meeting on the research on domestic tourism in Namibia
17. Attending the second NTB Roadshow in South Africa.
18. Meeting with Where to Stay to negotiate an affordable alternative for our members
19. Feedback to members on a regular basis
20. Attending all FENATA board meetings
21. Setting up and running the Namibia e-mail competition (21 000 entries)
The Executive Committee for the B&BAN for 2007/2008 is as follows: Neville Neveling (Chairperson), Rainer Seifart (Treasurer), Elias Xoagub, Margret Eichhorn, Viki Mamvura-Gava, Jürgen Rannersmann.
These are some of the highlights of the year. We are indeed grateful for what we have achieved. But most importantly we have made an impact, we have been accepted as a role player, we have found our niche in this great industry in Namibia, and we are sure that we will be able to face the challenges of the future together.
Neville Neveling
B&B Association: Main Hall, Stand M30 – M33. More information under:
artworks@iafrica.com.na
