Namibia Tourism Board directors spent 2 million dollars on travel during five months. Some board members earned between 300,000 and 600,000 dollars from overseas trips. The officials took 21 foreign journeys since last year. Staff members complain about luxury travel spending from the struggling organization. Board members compete for expensive international assignments.
Vice chairperson Rachel Koch travels frequently using tourism board funds. Social media posts show Koch flying first class on company tickets. Board chairman Olavi Hamwele visited Germany and France multiple times. Executive officer Sebulon Chicalu completed over four international trips. Internal messages reveal tensions between directors about travel opportunities.
Tourism workers believe money could help the industry better. The board sets aside 4 million dollars annually for member travel costs. Sources claim some directors use trips as personal vacations. Officials attend events that do not require board representation. Ministers must approve all international travel requests.
Flora Quest speaks for the tourism board about spending policies. She explains that fewer than 10 events need board attendance yearly. Travel class depends on flight duration under company rules. Quest says board participation helps promote Namibian tourism worldwide. The organization targets markets across Africa, Europe, Asia and Americas.
Vice chairperson Rachel Koch travels frequently using tourism board funds. Social media posts show Koch flying first class on company tickets. Board chairman Olavi Hamwele visited Germany and France multiple times. Executive officer Sebulon Chicalu completed over four international trips. Internal messages reveal tensions between directors about travel opportunities.
Tourism workers believe money could help the industry better. The board sets aside 4 million dollars annually for member travel costs. Sources claim some directors use trips as personal vacations. Officials attend events that do not require board representation. Ministers must approve all international travel requests.
Flora Quest speaks for the tourism board about spending policies. She explains that fewer than 10 events need board attendance yearly. Travel class depends on flight duration under company rules. Quest says board participation helps promote Namibian tourism worldwide. The organization targets markets across Africa, Europe, Asia and Americas.
