Waterfront

I write this editorial with an overwhelming sense of excitement and optimism about this year’s Lüderitz Crayfish Festival. Since inception in 2008, this initiative has set a superb tone for the renewal of Lüderitz’s economy. The Lüderitz Waterfront is proud once again to announce the hosting of the 3rd Annual Lüderitz Crayfish Festival which shall take place during the Weekend of 30th April -May 3rd 2010 at the Lüderitz Waterfront Harbour Square under the theme: “Our Sea-Our Heritage”. The primary objective of the Crayfish Festival is to position the harbour town of Lüderitz as a major tourist and investment destination by unleashing its economic potential particularly the tourism sector.

Lüderitz is fast emerging as a key tourist destination in Namibia. Lüderitz is widely regarded as extremely wealthy as the town is endowed with fish, lobster and diamonds etc. We are convinced that the Lüderitz Waterfront’s expansion development strategy is expected to have a considerable impact on the economic landscape of the town and may act as catalyst for future development projects. We are very enthused about the growth prospects of our town.

Lüderitz has a number of obvious tourist attractions, including its dominating German colonial architecture, its unique landscape, interesting topography and of great importance its hospitable and generous people. The other hot spot not to be missed on the tourist’s itinerary is the popular “ghost town” of Kolmanskop, a historic place where diamonds were first mined just over 100 years ago. The opportunity offered by the festival is enormous by any standards as it allows people of all walks of life to mingle, mix and socialise during social gatherings and explore the town’s unique hospitable tradition. Contrary to the notion that Lüderitz is remote and far from the centre and has nothing to offer , the reality is that people don’t care irrespective of distance as long as they are enticed and know what is offered for them. It is for this reason that this year we expect record tourist arrivals, close to 10 000 people will trek to Lüderitz and I fear we may not be able to host them all, given the limited accommodation establishments in our town.

The festival is designed to showcase the rich sea life history which has been associated with the harbour town of Lüderitz for many years. Participating SMEs stand to benefit a lot by erecting stalls in order to showcase their products and services. The Lüderitz Crayfish Festival 2010 draft programme has been given new impetus in style and in substance with a number of innovations designed to lure thousands of leisure tourists, holidaymakers and those who basically wish to go Crayfishing in the harbour town of Lüderitz.

For adventure seekers and first time visitors to the Bucht, this is the time and opportunity to abandon other plans for a good reason and be part of this great excitement .There is so much to gain from and to appreciate. Festival participants are guaranteed plenty of interesting outdoor entertainment activities designed to generate wonderful coastal experience, as well as plenty of fresh and tasty sea foods and other Namibian delicacies to choose from. I do have a special request to all Lüderitz business people in our town, please keep smiling at our clients and tourist alike and let us keep our businesses open for an extended time during the festival so as to offer services to the folks. Let’s make this festival another success as this event has already become prominent on the Namibian annual calendar.

Do not hesitate to write to me at waterfront@ iway.na I welcome your thoughts and ideas. I am keen to hear what you think about this annual event.

Mr. Fluksman Samuehl