The COVID-19 pandemic has devasted Namibia's tourism industry as arrivals fell sharply and other tourist activities closed down.

This was said by Erongo Region Governor Neville Andre during the opening of the 14th edition of the Erongo Business and Tourism Expo at Walvis Bay.

Tourism is one of the sectors hardest hit by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Andre says this expo aims to rally exhibitors and businesses to adapt to ways of fast recovery by identifying future disruptors and crafting and implementing change in strategies.

This, he says, will bring international and local traders together to showcase their products and services, strengthening existing value chains.

He urged businesses and communities to work with the government to ensure increased production of local goods following the outbreak of COVID-19.

"It is a fact that with the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, many industries are and will be challenged to adopt new structures and craft new innovative strategies if they are to survive future pandemics. Should we fail to innovate, we will be left behind and we do not wish for this to happen."

About 160 traders are exhibiting their products.