Born and raised in Windhoek, Gitta Paetzold’s story is grounded in Namibia’s capital, but her journey has always looked outward, to new possibilities. From a young age, a passion for travel and curiosity about different cultures shaped her ambitions. “I always dreamed of becoming a travelling diplomat,” Gitta shares, “and studied politics in the hope of seeing the world.” Yet, it was Namibia’s vibrant tourism industry that welcomed her, guiding her into a role where she could make a direct, lasting impact.

The Early Days

Gitta started her journey in Namibian tourism in 1997, joining the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) as a part-time Office Administrator. “Back then, I worked from home, long before it became common practice. HAN was quite ahead of its time in that respect.” Balancing motherhood and a growing passion for the sector, Gitta’s role evolved. Her dedication and vision saw her promoted to CEO in the early 2000s, leading HAN as it opened its first city office in 2011 and expanded further in 2025 by welcoming an additional team member to strengthen its influence.

Passion for Discovery

Travel has always been Gitta’s calling. Whether learning about new places or immersing herself in different cultures, she finds inspiration in the world’s diversity. While her original dream was diplomacy, she found her purpose closer to home, helping connect people and places through the gateway of tourism.

Why Namibia Captivates

What does Gitta love most about her homeland? She’s quick to answer:

• The vastness of the desert and the endless, wide-open spaces that stir a sense of freedom
• The welcoming, friendly people who make every encounter memorable

These qualities, she believes, give Namibia its distinctive character, a land both breathtaking and deeply warm-hearted.

A Vision for Sustainable Tourism

Gitta is passionate about safeguarding Namibia’s natural treasures. Her greatest hope is that every Namibian recognises the uniqueness and fragility of these landscapes. “It’s vital we work together to preserve our beauty for future generations. Our land is unlike any other, protection and respect aren’t just important, they’re essential.”

Building Connections and Unity

In her time at HAN, Gitta has worked tirelessly to bring stakeholders together, believing that progress depends on collaboration and shared commitment. “I hope to be remembered for uniting hands and minds, building a sustainable and respectable industry for Namibia. It’s never about one person but working together.”

Favourite Place

Ask about a favourite destination and Gitta’s eyes light up. “For me, it’s the Namib Desert. Its serenity, the sense of space, the lesson that sometimes less truly is more, there’s a magic here you just can’t explain.” She treasures the tranquillity and the proof that even the simplest experiences can be the most profound.

Reasons to Become a Member

Gitta sees HAN as the industry’s uniting force. “In unity lies strength. HAN champions the voice of accommodation, and the more members join, the stronger our advocacy becomes. It’s not just about lobbying, the goal is to see tourism recognised as a vital pillar of Namibia’s economy, with the power for truly sustainable growth.”

Leading With Purpose

Gitta’s involvement in the HAN Executive Committee began almost by chance, an invitation to work part-time, fitting around her family life. Yet her commitment and energy quickly turned that opportunity into a full-time calling. Today, she continues to help HAN grow as a dynamic, impactful organisation, dedicated to giving Namibian tourism the voice and visibility it deserves.

Original content: Provided by Gitta Paetzold

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