A local tour business operator is encouraging young people to be innovative and seek business opportunities within the tourism sector.

The founder of James Tours and Safari, James David, acknowledged the challenges facing local businesses in the tourism industry, such as the dominance of global companies with more capital, creating an imbalance.

But James David says this should not be seen as a setback for people who want to join the industry, as it has a lot to offer.

"Tourism in our country is a potential business that is not yet fully untapped, not fully used, not fully maximised, and can create so many opportunities for young people. It can turn around the whole country's economy. Because as long as we tell young people and train them to understand the value and power of tourism, it is a catalyst for young people to create employment for themselves."

He also called on the government to support local tourism enterprises to level the playing field for everyone.

"Tourism is a broader market, and I believe the government can help us encourage young people by offering training and sending them to work with international companies. We can network together as a sector; the government should pump in a lot of training and resources to create a lot of opportunities to create an environment where there is room for improvement."

Recapping his journey since he joined the tourism industry 20 years ago, David says it was not an easy one.

"I started in 2006; it was difficult moments when I didn't have a loan, but it has to do with the passion; there is more to do with the days, the hunger to become something for myself. I figured out there are so many opportunities with international clients coming to Namibia but don't have a guide, so why not specialise there? I am a tour operator and a local tour guide trained through the NTB."

David says his business was not spared by the COVID-19 pandemic, but now it is recovering well. 

"I lost everything. I have invested a lot in the business because of what I have been doing for the past few years. I have been travelling abroad to market my business, but what happened during COVID-19? I paid for tickets to go to exhibits in different countries, but there was no refund. Most of my money was in tickets. I lost a lot."

He says Namibia's tourism industry has emerged more resilient and adaptable following COVID-19, as the pandemic has prompted a re-evaluation of sustainable practices, emphasising conservation and community engagement, and digital technologies have been embraced to improve the overall visiting experience.