Tourism is increasingly becoming one of the most important industries in Namibia. The Namibian Government realises the importance of tourism for the future economic development of Namibia and stresses the importance of adequate training as a pre-requisite to realise the full potential of tourism. Hence, the Namibian Academy for Tourism and Hospitality (NATH) was formally launched as an Article 21 Company in August 1994.  Objectives of NATH: To assist the Namibian Tourism Industry in developing a highly professional workforce. To establish standard for tourism training to meet national and international requirements. To propose, develop and implement vocational and academic courses offered where needs exist. To co-ordinate courses offered by other institutions to avoid duplication.  To produce ongoing opportunities for training in tourism.