Tourism is so much more than guests visiting foreign destinations. The tourism sector is a key pillar in the socio-economic development of a given country, not only because of foreign currency spend but also because of the opportunities this sector brings in terms of employment and income creation for the people. There are beautiful examples of “Why Tourism Matters”, and in our endeavour to amplify the importance of tourism, HAN is keen to spotlight Gondwana Collection Namibia this week, for its commitment to investing in its employees through initiatives like the Gondwana Academy Value Tour, which recently concluded.

The Gondwana Academy Value Tour is one example of Namibia’s efforts to show its dedication to investing in its team. The tour, which was introduced in 2015, is intended to help Gondwana employees better understand the company’s values, improve their product expertise, and experience Namibia as a guest would. Gondwana affirms the importance of each employee’s role by introducing their team to Namibia’s many landscapes and cultures, which fosters a sense of pride and belonging to the country’s history and heritage.

This tour reflects Gondwana’s philosophy that training employees results in a greater understanding of the company’s objectives. Team members from different departments participated in the tour, cultivating a comprehensive understanding of the business operations of the company and the surrounding communities. Gondwana’s investment in its people goes beyond training to include initiatives that promote sustainability and community engagement. Its Self-Sufficiency Centre, for example, not only supplies organic meat and produce to its lodges but also employs local people. Furthermore, programmes like Eduvision supported by the Gondwana Care Trust, bridge the digital gap between rural and urban schools, this demonstrates Gondwana’s social conscience as well as its recognition of the interconnectedness between tourism, community development, and conservation.

The Gondwana Tripod Philosophy; financial, environmental, and social, prioritises balance in tourism, so that success is not just in terms of profit but also in terms of social and environmental benefit. Through its operations and training, Gondwana shows that people and the environment are key investments for long-term sustainability and tourism success. The interactive activities on the Gondwana Academy Value Tour, such as planting quiver trees and learning about conservation, also emphasise this commitment.

The tour and other initiatives showcase a genuine dedication to team development, environmental conservation, and social responsibility, signifying that the true measure of successful tourism is its positive impact on people, partnerships and the planet.

Visit the Gondwana Collection Namibia Facebook page to explore their detailed daily stories, which were shared as the tour unfolded in February, providing an in-depth overview of the tour.