Where It All Began

“I am a true Namibian ‘bush baby’,” Margo lights up at the memory. Born in Ai Ais in the heart of Namibia, Margo’s earliest days were spent in some of the country’s most treasured wild places. Her parents worked for what was then known as Nature Conservation, the forerunner to today’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism. “We lived in Etosha until I was nearly two, and only moved to ‘town’ when my sister arrived. So, my childhood was shaped by the wild and wonderful landscapes of Namibia.” Margo added.

A Life Steeped in Tourism

For Margo, a career in tourism was never just a job – it was a calling. “I think it’s deeply entrenched in my DNA,” she says. “I remember being in primary school, hiking through Sesriem Canyon with my family. Each of us had a plastic bag to collect any rubbish we found – long before the word ‘plogging’ existed! My parents were passionate about Namibia and the environment, and they passed that love on to me.”

Passion for Namibia

Ask Margo what she’s passionate about, and the answer is immediate: “Namibia. I love talking about this country, its people, its places, and the sheer grandeur of it all.”

What Makes Namibia Special

When pressed to name her favourite things about Namibia, Margo doesn’t hesitate: “Number one is the diversity. Namibia is a country of wide-open spaces, incredible people, rich history, and magnificent wildlife. It’s dramatic, ever-changing, and often uncompromising. There’s nowhere else quite like it.”

Hopes for Sustainable Tourism

Margo is fiercely proud of Namibia’s pioneering spirit in conservation tourism. “My wish is for us to keep building on that legacy. We have such a precious, fragile environment and an incredible cultural and natural heritage. Protecting this is vital – not just for future generations of Namibians, but for everyone who comes to experience it.”

Favourite Destination?

This is where Margo’s love for her homeland truly shines. “That’s a tough question! I’ve travelled the length and breadth of Namibia, and every nook and cranny has found a special place in my heart. It’s impossible to choose just one. Each region has its own magic.”

Why Join HAN?

As a proud member of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), Margo believes in the power of unity. “HAN is a membership-driven association, and there’s real strength in numbers. It’s not just a representative body, it gives members a collective voice, access to valuable information, networking opportunities, and a platform to share ideas and challenges. It’s about shaping the future of hospitality and tourism in Namibia together.”

Serving on the HAN Exco

Margo’s journey with HAN’s Executive Committee began much like the rest of her career: with a deep-rooted desire to make a difference. “I wanted to give back to an industry that has given me so much, and to help ensure that Namibia’s tourism sector continues to thrive for generations to come.”

𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘏𝘈𝘕 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘕𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘢’𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘮 𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺.