Paving the future for Namibian tourism

Ultimate Safaris in May entrusted Katja Haase to be its inbound marketing manager.

Haase, who spent 10 years living abroad, grew up on a guest farm in central Namibia and was reintroduced to tourism after a one-and-a-half-year break.

“I am proudly Namibian and believe tourism is an inherent trait in my blood since childhood!”

As Ultimate Safaris’ inbound marketing manager, she is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with Namibian tour operators. She hosts agents, tour operators and VIPs at their retreats, and offers property and product updates while working closely with the Ultimate Safaris reservations team.

Additionally, she develops marketing strategies and marketing content and materials. “These are a few of the duties I happily take on at Ultimate Safaris.”



Sustainable tourism for all

According to Haase, she wholeheartedly represents Ultimate Safaris as it ticks all the boxes she looks for in a company; it places extreme value on conservation and works closely with communities. She resonates well with its values and envisions a future with the company where they pave the future for Namibian tourism; a future created around sustainable tourism for all parts of the country.

Her passion for destination marketing spurred her while overseas, where she was the account manager for Texas tourism in Europe, and she returned home to pursue her calling.

“On arrival, I worked for a destination management company where I explored and got to understand all the different areas of Namibia. However, my love for the industry lies in the destination marketing department.”

It was this that inspired her to venture into marketing various lodges and camps in Namibia with a strong focus and love for sustainable tourism, hoping to make a difference in communities and conservancies. She admitted that while Namibia and tourism are her focus, travelling and exploring beautiful Mother Earth is her outlet.



Driven by passion and purpose

Haase’s charisma and passion for learning Namibia’s various cultures are complemented by her being a podcast host. Here, she strives to create an impact not only for the industry but for Namibia as a whole.

“When I was presented with an opportunity to work for Hitradio Namibia and host ‘Namibia Hören’ – a German podcast focusing on Namibia and its stories - I could not say no. Being able to share stories of Namibia with the world has become one of my biggest passions. I absolutely love exploring Namibia and meeting amazing people who make our country so spectacular!”

Haase is confident the country’s tourism sector still has a lot of potential to grow and develop. She hopes her fellow countrymen see that, and like her, aim to develop it, while keeping in mind what is important, and collectively building a better future.

“Namibia was the first African country to incorporate the protection of the environment into its constitution. That, for me, is the key. Without nature, our people, our culture and our animals, we are not the pristine land that people are falling in love with.”

She advised the youth to do what they love.

“If you are interested in tourism, make it your passion to learn as much as you can about the country and its people. Always keep asking questions and keep wanting to grow.”

Haase made reference to a quote by Brene Brown: "Connection is why we’re here". She added that connection is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.

“I feel this better describes us humans and our purpose when we travel and explore this ‘insanely beautiful earth’. We look for more than just beauty. We look for connection, we look for purpose.”