Full report LR.pdf - DLIST Benguela

NACOMA Project - Preparation phaseRapid Assessment of the Development Plans, Biodiversity Conservation Projects and Socio-Economic Situation of the Namib Coastal Regions4.3.5. Hardap Region Tourism Development PlanTourism is identified in the RDP, as well as in the Hardap Region Tourism Development Plan 93 , as apreferred land use option in the region. While the 6 constituencies in the region are in the commercialfarming area where title deed to all tourist developments can be obtained, a large portion of the Gibeonconstituency – which extends to the coastline – falls within either communal land or within the NamibDesert and the Namib Naukluft Park. Developments within the park by the private sector normally takeplace on the basis of concessions. The Gibeon Constituency is the most popular tourist area within theHardap Region and the tourism development plan recommends that a planning and coordinationprogramme for the coastal areas be developed in the framework of the NACOMA project.With the proposed development of the Sperrgebiet to the south and the number of up market lodgesalong the eastern boundary of the Namib Naukluft Park, there will be an increasing demand for accessto the area from Lüderitz. A concession for a small up market lodge is planned for the Meob area, wherea landing strip has been constructed, and a small fishing camp and guided tours are planned forConception Bay. The tourism development plan recommends that access to the tourism industry bebroadened, that particular attention be paid to rural areas, less developed areas in the Hardap Region,cultural attractions, and that increased participation of existing players in tourism development andinclusion of communities be sought.4.3.6. Community Tourism Market Research for the South of NamibiaThe Community Tourism Market Research for the South of Namibia 94 covered an inventory andanalysis of the tourism industry in the Hardap and Karas Regions and its market, short field surveys toidentify new community based attractions and an analysis of the potential of CBT. The Karas region’slocation, level of infrastructure and scenery make it highly suitable for tourism development. TheMarket Research highlights the potential of new attractions such as Lüderitz, the Ai-Ais / RichtersveldTransfrontier Park, the Sperrgebiet and the Orange River Mouth. Once Oranjemund is open to tourismtraffic, the supporting function of Aus to tourism will become more significant. The potential exists toestablish a cross-border park between the Sperrgebiet and the Richtersveld and at Orange River Mouth,thereby strengthening the TFCA. The scenic route suggested in the market study includes coastalattractions in the Sperrgebiet, such as Lüderitz, Elizabeth Bay, Pomona and Bogenfels, as well as Aus,the Ai-Ais / Richtersveld Transfrontier Park and Noordoewer. A cultural route on the western part of theregion is also presented, which would have the purpose of introducing travellers to the Nama and Basterculture by visiting places of historic importance or where cultural events can be experienced. One optionis also the development of some of the offshore islands for low impact, high quality tourism, possiblyusing Lüderitz as gateway 95 .4.3.7. Relevance to NACOMA of key development plans and initiativesThe plans and initiatives described above are analysed in Table 6 in terms of what activities or visionscan be supported by the NACOMA Project.93 Regional Council of Hardap and Hardap Tourism Board, 2003. Hardap Region Tourism Development Plan 2003.Mariental, pp 1-110.94 Stubenrauch Planning Consultants and DECOSA, 2003. Community tourism market research for the South ofNamibia. Stubenrauch Planning Consultants and Development Consultants for Southern Africa, pp 1-144.95 McGann, J., F. Odendaal and L. Nakanuku, 2001. Report on the integrated coastal zone workshop held inSwakopmund, Namibia May 10-11, 2001, pp 1-59.39