Biggest desert bash at coast

Biggest desert bash at coast Selected from international array of locations Namibians will be able to enjoy a massive desert party on 24 and 25 December after Namibia was chosen as the ultimate destination for the international event. Namibia has been chosen to host the biggest desert bash at the coast during the December holidays that the country has ever seen.

The Namibia International Beach and Cultural Festival will be a two-day event, on 24 and 25 December, and it promises to be packed with activities for everyone.

The fun-filled festival will feature local and international musicians and DJs, play parks for children, a beach volleyball tournament, wine tasting, food stalls, a consumer expo and activities such as camel rides, quad biking, dolphin cruises, helicopter rides, and much more.

The festival will be hosted by Flying Promotions, an international events management company that prides itself in contributing positively to the growth of the tourism sector through collaborating and interacting with people and organisations across the southern African region.

The festival that is marketed both regionally and internationally will specifically focus on Namibia as a tourist destination of choice and is supported and endorsed by the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

The CEO of NTB Digu //Noabeb said that through events such as these the organisers aim to promote Southern African tourists'' attraction routes that culminate into international cultural festivals across the region.

Noabeb said that the event organisers will be hosting similar events throughout the 15 countries that fall under the umbrella of the Regional Tourism Organisation of southern Africa- which is also a partner of the project.

“We are excited about the fact that Namibia has been chosen as the destination for the holiday break. Our country not only offers a unique destination where the desert meets the ocean but the exciting opportunities for exploration and activities to suit the entire family.

He said that this family orientated festival not only aims to promote Namibia as a tourist destination but will provide a platform for regional cultural exchanges.

Bonventura Mbidzo from the NTB described the festival as a historical event saying that this will be the first time that this event will be hosted.

“We pride ourselves that Namibia has been chosen to host this event and will make sure that it remains in the country in the future.”

He stressed that Namibia has a peaceful atmosphere and the country has fantastic hospitality. “The organisers will not regret choosing Namibia.”

According to Tumelo Lekolwane from Flying Promotions the 24th of the December will be promoted under #YouthInTourism and the day fill feature up tempo music featuring local and international artists. The activities will start at 09:00 with a free Zumba fitness class and conclude at 22:00.

On 25 December the day is being promoted as #XmasinNamibia and it will be filled with family mid-tempo music.

“Every Christmas the place to be is in Namibia. That is what we are selling,” said Lekolwane.

The final line-up of artists will only be announced by next week.

The activities at the festival will be divided in separate areas which include a music stage, with a bar area, where no under 18s will be allowed, a VIP section which will feature beach beds, couches and a cocktail bar, a smoke lounge and whiskey tasting area.

There will also be a food court and wine tasting as well as a sport section and a fun park for the kids. Vendors that want to sell or market their products can also do so during the festival for free.

According to Lekolwane another great feature that will be offered during the festival is that there will be bus shuttles running from Swakopmund and Walvis Bay to provide transport for festivalgoers.

This is to make sure people are not drinking and driving and also to prevent the congestion of traffic on the roads. The organisers also said that they have partnered with Computicket Travel which showcases all hotels and accommodation establishments and added that a mobile app “Culture Route has been established which will also provide information on the festival. It also provides information on attractions in southern Africa.

ELLANIE SMIT