This awareness campaign was launched by the Mayor Cllr Matheus Shikongo in May 2003 which aims to illustrate the important role that tourism plays in our environment and in society.
15 Top grade twelve students from various secondary schools in Windhoek will be exposed to different aspects of the tourism industry. Some of their tourism highlights will be a treat to stay in a lodge, a cultural and historical tour through the city, a taste of a truly Namibian cuisine, a fantastic wildlife and game drive and an opportunity to attend the 9th Annual Namibia Travel Expo.
The Objectives of the Teens in Tourism Programme are: To create awareness among teenagers of the importance and benefits of tourism that contributes to the economic well-being of Windhoek and Namibia as a whole. To inspire welcoming and positive attitudes towards tourists therefore encouraging repeat visits to Windhoek and Namibia and to illustrate small business and empowering opportunities in the tourism industry that will uplift the quality of people’s lives.
Positive feedback and comments from the teens´ representatives of 2006 are as follows:
“Learning more about Windhoek and about Namibia as a whole, through the eyes of a tourist, was probably the most interesting highlight of the programme. Thanks to the Teens in Tourism programme, I have learned that I can really explore and preserve the culture, historical features and natural resources of our country.” Hilja Nghiueuelekuah (Concordia College).
“I enjoyed the game drive at Düsternbrook Guestfarm the most. I’ve always wanted to see a real cheetah and because of this initiative I got the opportunity. Before this experience I’ve always thought of wild animals, especially cheetahs, as being very aggressive. I’ve always known that we need to conserve our wildlife but I didn’t realise how vital it is until now. This experience opened my eyes really wide and made me appreciate and see how beautiful the wild animals are. It also made me realize why it is very important to conserve our natural environment. Linda Hatupopi (Ella du Plesis Secondary School).
