The Namibia Community Based Tourism Assistance Trust (NACOBTA) is a not for gain, non governmental organization.  It was established in October 1995 by local Namibians who had started tourism businesses and who wanted to be represented in the Tourism industry.  These businesses then made up the membership of the organization.  The role of the organization is to provide assistance to its members through access to funding, enterprise development, training, marketing and lobbying on issues relevant to the community based tourism sector.

Please see the membership criteria.

At a meeting held in Swakopmund, on the 27th June 2008,  the following membership applications were received and approved, these being the organization’s members for the year 2008.  However, membership remains open for those who did not attend the meeting.

Membership Criteria
Who qualifies to be a member of NACOBTA?

1. Campsites
2. Rest camps
3. Shuttle service providers
4. Tour operators
5. Tour facilitators
6. Guides
7. Community lodges
8. Bed & breakfasts
9. Traditional homesteads/villages
10. Cultural groups
11. Information offices
12. Other activity based enterprises
13. Crafts outlets and other commodities
14. Conservancies with joint ventures

To be qualified as a member, the following need to be in place:
• A viable business/idea.
• Ability to contribute to poverty reduction in the area in which it operates.
• Ability to create employment.
• Previously disadvantaged Namibians.
• Community groups or individuals with tourism products.
• Formal or non-formal.

Membership is also open for corporate or supporting members whose main role is to contribute towards tourism SME support financially or otherwise.  No ceiling in terms of membership fees.

What is in it for me?

NACOBTA offers the following benefits to its members:
1. Invitations to attend workshops and seminars at a discounted rate.
2. Access to the NACOBTA membership database.
3. A free NACOBTA newsletter.
4. Representation on various boards, e.g. Eco Awards.
5. The use of the NACOBTA logo on uniforms and sign boards.
6. Placement on the NACOBTA website at a discounted rate.
7. Representation at international trade fairs.
8. Nomination for awards.
9. Discounted training.
10. Advocacy and lobbying on sector related issues.
11. Inclusion in the NACOBTA CBTE booklet.
12. Assistance with bookings at a discounted rate.
13. Service provision at a discounted rate (e.g. business plans, proposals).
14. Preferential treatment through the tourism support programme.
15. Networking and exchange of information with other members.
16. Referrals to relevant institutions, opportunities and services.

Where do I fit in?

You can be placed under one of the following categories of membership:

1. Accommodation
• Campsites
• Rest camps
• Community lodges
• B&Bs

2. Services
• Tour operators
• Tour facilitators
• Shuttle service providers
• Guiding
• Game tracking
• Guided walks
• Information offices
• Museums

3. Activities
• Dance / performance groups
• Veldt food collection
• Cultural & crafts demonstrations
• Story telling

4. Commodities
• Crafts

What are my rights?

As a member of NACOBTA, you will have the right to:
• Nominate three members to represent you on the Board of Trustees.
• Inform NACOBTA about the needs of your enterprise.
• Provide feedback to NACOBTA on the service it provides to you.

What are my responsibilities and obligations?
• To represent NACOBTA in a responsible manner.
• To renew membership annually.
• To treat clients with care and professionalism at all times.
• To adhere to sound business principles at all times.
• To give NACOBTA access to financial and important documents.

What do I give in return for membership?
Members are expected to contribute to membership according to the following classes:

1. Gold membership
Enterprises generating an income of N$100 001 per year and above.  N$400 membership fee per year.

2. Silver membership
Enterprises generating an income of N$50 001 to N$100 000 per year.

N$300 membership fee per year.

3. Bronze membership
Enterprises generating an income of N$1 000 to N$50 000 per year.

N$200 membership fee per year.

Benefits will be discontinued immediately if fees are not received by the deadline of 30 April each year.  At the end of each year, you will receive an invoice for the fees of the ensuing year.