Accommodation facilities ready for OATF

All roads will lead to Ongwediva from 26 August to 1 September for the 2022 Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair (OATF).

The fair has long offered a meeting point for many Namibians who visit to experience the northern cuisine, fun activities, musical performances and networking opportunities on offer during the trade fair.

One of the most important elements when planning for a trip is to arrange ideal accommodation to ensure safety, comfort and a home away from home.

Anna Theodore, manager of the Rochas Hotel in Oshakati, said their establishment has always been an ideal destination for guests.

“We are very excited to host our locals and non-locals during the trade fair. Bookings have been received and we are almost fully booked,” she said.

“We always make sure we cater to our local clients first, as they are the ones that ensure we are operational when the trade fair is over. We however look forward to see what the trade fair will offer this year, as it has been absent for two years.”



Experiences of all kinds

Rochas Hotel, which is known for its Portuguese cuisine and lush flora, has been leading in terms of preferred choice for accommodation.

Theodore says the organisers of the trade fair had more than enough time to ensure they will offer something different and to cater to visitors from different age groups and parts of the country.

“What most people tend to forget is that the trade fair is more than just a money-making platform, but it also offers experiences as well,” she said.

Emilia Namindo of Hotel Galaxy in Ongwediva, said the hotel’s breakfast buffet is one of the best in town.

She added that the trade fair will bring much-needed excitement to Ongwediva.

“Our town is full of young people and young people always want entertainment,” she said.

“Our guests are well-treated and given the best hospitality.”

She said the trade fair will allow establishments to identify creative marketing strategies to attract more clients, even after the trade fair has come to an end.

“It is definitely exciting times and the momentum for this event has been growing steadily.”



Right direction

One of the oldest establishments in Ongwediva, Hotel Destiny, is preparing to accommodate corporate clients who will manage exhibition stalls at the trade fair.

The hotel’s manager, Elly Ndjukuma, said the Covid-19 pandemic affected business negatively, but things have been slowly picking up.

“We also have a few specials lined up for the trade fair, so all existing and non-existing clients should stay tuned to our social media pages. The trade fair coming back is definitely a step in the right direction, because our establishments are discovered by those who came to visit Ongwediva and these are the same clients who will come back to Hotel Destiny the next time they visit the north.”

Ndjukuma urged his fellow industry leaders to ensure they provide good services to clients, as word of mouth is essential for the industry’s success.

“Hospitality is the main priority, and it should be of the highest level. We will thrive well if we cater to our clients’ needs,” he said.

Hotel Destiny is the ideal destination for guests who enjoy a drink by the bar as they wait for their food from the restaurant, he said.

“We would like to invite all visitors to the trade fair to stop by our establishment and use the moment to meet other people and establish contacts.”