NWR Welcomes New Board

 

Windhoek, 23 March 2023 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Board of Directors, which was announced on March 20th, 2023, by the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprise, Mr. Ipumbu Shiimi.

 

The new board will be chaired by Ambassador. Haroldt /Urib, with Dr. Bianca Tjizumaue serving as the Deputy Chairperson. Other members of the board include Mr. Coenraad Coetzee, Dr. Erling Kavita, Mr. Sam Januarie, Ms. Nadrie Lahner, and Ms. Yvette Nambahu.

 

Dr. Matthias Ngwangwama, the Managing Director of NWR, expressed his happiness with the recruitment of the new board and wished the outgoing board members well. He also highlighted some of the achievements of the previous board, including NWR realising a profit for the first time in 2019 and steering the company out of the Covid storm, amongst others.

 

The new board members brings with them a wealth of experience and expertise, and NWR is confident that they will provide excellent leadership and guidance to the company. With their guidance, NWR will continue to grow and expand, offering world-class services and experiences to its customers.

 

On his part, the new Board Chairperson, Mr. Haroldt /Urib, is excited about his appointment. “I do look forward to working together with the NWR team to help grow the organisation’s business, an important player in the tourism industry of Namibia” he said.

 

NWR is a proud member of the Namibian tourism industry and is committed to promoting sustainable tourism practices that benefit both the local community and the environment. The company operates a wide range of properties throughout Namibia, from luxury lodges to camping sites, and offers a variety of activities, including game drives, bird watching, and cultural experiences.

 

NWR looks forward to working closely with the new board to continue providing exceptional service to its customers while promoting Namibia as a premier tourism destination.

Namibia Wildlife Resorts Wins Prestigious PMR Award for Conservation and Tourism

 

Windhoek, 3 March 2023 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is proud to announce that it has been named a winner of the PMR Africa Diamond Arrow Award for Companies Doing the Most for Conservation and Tourism in Namibia. The award was presented at the PMR Africa Awards ceremony, which took place on 2 March 2023.

 

The PMR Africa Awards recognise excellence in various industries in Namibia, and winners are selected through a rigorous process of surveys and research conducted by PMR Africa. This year’s awards saw a record number of entries, making the achievement even more significant for NWR.

 

The Diamond Arrow Award is the highest level of recognition that can be awarded by PMR Africa and is a testament to NWR’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism. NWR operates several campsites, lodges, and resorts across Namibia, all of which are situated in or near protected areas, including national parks and reserves.

 

“Despite the difficulty in identifying a winner, It is always fulfilling to be recognised as doing something good. Therefore, we are thrilled to receive this award and to be recognised for our efforts in promoting conservation and sustainable tourism in Namibia,” said Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, Managing Director of Namibia Wildlife Resorts. “We dedicate this award to all our diligent and hardworking employees who, despite various constraints, are ever committed to meaningfully contribute to hospitality and tourism service as well as sustainable tourism”, he said.

 

NWR’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism is evident in several company initiatives. These include the implementation of eco-friendly practices, such as solar power and waste management systems, and the promotion of responsible tourism practices to guests.

Employs steps up tourism safety efforts

 

Windhoek, 13 February 2023 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts, through its efforts to enhance tourism safety, has teamed up with a local online film program, COPPS 94.1, to promote tourism safety in and around Windhoek, starting 16 February 2023.

 

Recent reports of robberies, targeting primarily tourists, have become a grave concern to tourism industry players. NWR, a leading industry player, saw it fit to come on board a platform that will allow for awareness to be spread. The recent spike in robberies has created a particular fear amongst Namibians and tourists that, if not addressed, will make a significant dent in tourism numbers for our country. Current online reviews show how Namibian tourism has become a concern for international tourists. It is further a concern that no one is tackling this civic problem.

 

NWRs activities on the program will include addressing tips and ideas on how one can stay safe but, most importantly, creating assurance that Namibia is also one of the safest countries in Africa.

 

Partnering up with COPSS, where we can educate but, most importantly, create awareness about safety, is something that we see as a positive contribution to the sustainability of the tourism industry. This program gets good views from the public and is very succesfull and we saw it as an important tool to promote our message” Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, Managing Director of NWR, said.

 

NWR will also allow Namibians to experience and enjoy the show by giving away a voucher every month for the next 12 months to the value of N$ 3 000.00 on the COPPS program. The COPPS program is online and is run by Kosmos Radio.

Temporary extension of NWR board members’ terms

 

Windhoek, 27 December 2022 – The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Honourable Ipumbu Shiimi, announced the extension of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts Board Members’ term of office on a temporary basis from 15 December to 14 March 2023.

 

In the letter of appointment, the Minister of Public Enterprises, Mr Shiimi, announced that the new board’s recruitment is still to be finalised, hence the extension of the current team. “I hereby extend your term as temporary Board Members for a period of 3 months pending the finalisation of the recruitment of a new board in line with section (9) of the Public Enterprises Governance Act (PEGA) No.1 of 2019,” he said.

 

The 7 Board members are Chairperson Ambassador Leonard lipumbu, Janet Wilson Moore (Deputy Chairperson), Elize Petersen, Ruddie Putter, Bernd Schneider, Eva Shifotoka and Carol Williams.

NWR launches “Share Your #NWRMoments” competition

 

Windhoek, 9 December 2022 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is launching a brand new competition to reward and entice travellers with an unforgettable experience across Namibia.

 

Introducing “Share your #NWRMoments”, an interactive competition running across all NWR social media accounts that encourages everyone to share their post-pandemic memories at any of our resorts, NWR sees this competition as a way of giving back to the locals that have not only supported NWR through the pandemic but have remained loyal over time.

 

The competition also aims to promote commerce, tourism, and travel across Namibia – encouraging locals and international tourists alike to explore the beauty of our country, a land of contrast. Participants stand a chance to win one of five 2-night experiences at an NWR resort of their choice, excluding flights or transportation.

 

“We’re excited to launch this competition,” said Nelson Ashipala, Corporate Communications Manager. “This is an opportunity to improve our products and services through valuable customer feedback. It also allows Namibians to experience the newly renovated facilities first. We look forward to seeing people’s amazing experiences at our resorts. The timing is also right as many are now using their Black Friday vouchers.”

 

 

The launch will take place on the 9th of December and will see a few selected Namibian Influencers travel to the southern parts of the country to enjoy the beauty and hospitality.

 

To enter, Namibians and visitors from around the world can visit https://www.nwr.com.na/competition for more information. Entries open Friday, 9 December 2022, and close Wednesday, 1 February 2023, at midnight Central African Time (CAT).

NWR takes the lead in reviving Ai-Ais Transfrontier Commitment

 

Windhoek, 07 November 2022 – The Managing Director of Namibian Wildlife Resorts, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, formed part of the delegation that travelled to Pretoria, South Africa from the 2nd to the 4th of November 2022 to assess progress in developing Cross-Border tourism products and Events within the|Ai-|Ais/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and commitments that were made before the Covid-19 pandemic.

 

The ǀAi-ǀAis/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park is a cross-border park straddling the border between South Africa and Namibia. It was formed in 2003 by combining the Namibian ǀAi-ǀAis Hot Springs Game Park and the South African Richtersveld National Park. The treaty is a commitment between the Government of the Republic of Namibia and the Government of the Republic of South to foster transnational collaboration and cooperation between the Parties. This will facilitate effective ecosystem management in the area comprising the Transfrontier Park. In addition, the treaty undertakes to develop trans-border eco-tourism to foster regional socio-economic development.

 

Expressing his excitement in efforts to revive the transfrontier commitment, the Managing Director of NWR, Dr Ngwangwama, highlighted how activities such as the Desert night cycling activity that last took place in 2017, as well as Desert Kayak Trails, brought about innovative and sustainable ways to raise funds for conservation activities in the /Ai/Ais-Richtersveld Transfrontier Park while creating short-term jobs and training opportunities. “With the cycling race that involved competitors having to pedal day and night across the beauty of the Ai-Ais National Park, we saw throngs of adrenalin hunters enjoying themselves and creating a strong marketing for Namibia and the the park. We hope to see the same soon again. This means more revenue for Namibia in terms of tourism,” he said.

 

NWR, as a member of the Joint Management Board as per the Treaty, is the national implementing agency in Namibia as per its mandate of managing tourism facilities in national parks.

Okaukuejo Waterhole Live Streaming Now Available on DStv

 

Windhoek, 19 October 2022 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts is pleased to announce that the Okaukuejo waterhole live streaming camera is now available on Wild Earths DStv channel 183.

 

This initiative complements the already viral NWR Live YouTube channel launched in April, with viewership reaching as high as 1000 wildlife enthusiasts per day.

 

To enhance customer experience, NWR partnered with Wild Earth to allow for the viewing of waterhole action footage as it unfolds at the most famous waterhole in Namibia, reaching an audience of about 5 million people globally every month. This is an excellent marketing platform for Namibia Tourism.

 

This initiative is a first for Namibia, whereby a live stream camera showcases the wildlife that Namibia offers, complemented with expert commentary from trained naturalists.

 

Using a combination of LIVE broadcasting, expert naturalists, interactivity, community and a point-of-view shooting style, partnering up with Wild Earth will help millions of viewers feel remotely present in nature without increasing their footprint.

 

Viewers return again and again to these LIVE broadcasts from the exact locations. This experience excites NWR as an organisation as it will make wildlife enthusiasts curious to the point where they want to travel to Etosha National Park in particular and Namibia in general.

 

The live waterhole stream broadcasts on the flagship SafariLIVE sunrise for three hours in the morning and SafariLIVE sunset for four hours in the afternoon. SafariLIVE sunrise is available from 6.30 am to 9.30 am CAT, and SafariLIVE sunset is open from 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm CAT.

 

This show discusses the Okaukuejo Waterhole with an expert guide. On the live stream, viewers can watch the wildlife at the Okaukuejo Resort waterhole throughout the day on NWR’s Youtube page.

Concerns over spike in robberies

 

Windhoek, 21 August 2022 – As Namibia’s leading public tourism service provider, Namibia Wildlife Resorts Limited is concerned with the increase in robberies, targeting our tourists in and around Windhoek in particular, and the rest of Namibia in general.

 

Having come from a difficult 2 years, of the Covid-19 pandemic, current tourism arrivals data point to the recovery of the tourism industry and a return to pre-Covid numbers. Throngs of tourists can be seen in some of our popular destinations such as the Etosha National Park and Sossusvlei. Demands for vehicle rentals are astronomical, showing great interest in self-drive tourism. Local guides will testify that there is a great interest in tourists wanting to visit areas such as Katutura and Single Quarters to experience the “Windhoek Life”.

 

With the rise in robbery and theft cases, however, our fear as a tourism company is the negative publicity that these incidences of robbery and pick-pocketing are bringing to our beautiful country. Tourists love experience, and experience would mean engaging with the locals, going out for sundowners, jogging, and strolling through town and all of its wonderful attractions without fear of harassment. Reports of robberies and theft are negative and will only prevent many tourists from coming to our country, thus, in the final analysis hurting employment in the country and the economy.

 

NWR would thus like to appeal to all responsible parties, including law enforcement agencies, and all town and regional tourism officers to put up strong measures that create a safe environment for our tourists.

 

We also appeal to every citizen of Namibia to create a safe environment for our tourists and to be ambassadors of our great country.

Shark Island lighthouse now available for bookings

 

Windhoek, 8 August 2022 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts Limited (NWR) recently unveiled the newly renovated lighthouse at Shark Island on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean.

Shark Island, a historical site found in Luderitz town and a popular camping spot, was last closed in 2020 to give it a “newer” and “fresher” look.

 

The lighthouse’ rooms and exterior have been completely renovated with its interior décor done by Namibia’s renowned interior designer Olive Rose interiors, bringing taste and tranquil naturals to both the two rooms and the kitchen. The lighthouse has a self-catering kitchen with
cutlery and plates, a kettle, and a fridge, as well as a TV in the sitting room.

 

A one-night stay at Shark Island will cost N$ 1000.00 per person and is self-catering. The view to the top of the lighthouse remains open, where guests can experience panoramic views that stretch over the horizon while spotting seals and pelicans that frequently appear around the site’s rocky areas.

 

 

NWR announces improvements in financials at AGM

 

  • NWR announces improvements in its 2021 financial performance.
  • Announces dawn of new strategy through innovative ideas and new
    customer experiences.
  • Shareholder expresses appreciation to the NWR board for setting an
    example by being selfless in cutting board fees

 

Windhoek, 18 May 2022 – Namibia Wildlife Resorts Limited (NWR) announced improvements in its financial performance at the recently concluded Annual General Meeting (AGM) that took place on 17 May 2022 in Windhoek.

While announcing the importance of compliance with the Public Enterprise Act 2019 (Act 1 of 2019), through timely production of Annual reports and the publishing of Annual Audited Financial Statements, the Managing Director of the Namibia Wildlife Resorts, Dr. Matthias Ngwangwama announced that the Namibia Wildlife Resorts reduced its losses from N$ 174 million in the year 2020 to N$ 97 million in the financial year 2021, an improvement of 44% or N$ 77 million.

“We have devised a strategy that will allow us to return to profitability. The strategy involves moving beyond just providing facilities. The launch of our NWR camera at the waterhole has created a huge interest in our resorts. We hope with the new innovative ideas and customer experience initiatives that we aim to implement, such as enhanced digital and online presence, group packages for families and runners’ clubs, and other planned activities at our resorts, will enable us to increase our occupancies and enable us to make greater revenue than currently” Dr. Ngwangwama said.

 

The improved performance is attributed to, amongst others, the reduction in staff complement through voluntary separation exercise and having the senior management and board members to take a 25% cut on their salaries and board fees respectively.

 

“From a cost-cutting perspective, we continued to implement various cost-cutting measures in 2021, including a reduction in employee costs through voluntary separation. I am in no doubt that the company is now in a position of generating a larger profit than that recorded in 2019” said Ms. Janet Wilson- Moore, Vice-Chairperson of the NWR Board.

 

On the same occasion, the Deputy Minister of Finance, Honourable Maureen Hinda-Mbuende expressed her appreciation to the NWR board for setting an example by being selfless in cutting their board fees and for seeing through their two three-year terms which comes an end in June 2022.

 

 

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