WCCR celebrates 30 years of excellence
Milestone
The first steps towards launching Namibia as a global tourism destination.
Staff reporterThe Windhoek Country Club Resort (WCCR) marked a significant milestone on 21 May 2025, celebrating its 30th anniversary with an elegant gala dinner attended by 200 distinguished guests, including government officials, hospitality industry leaders and international dignitaries.
Global goodwill ambassador for Namibia, Michelle McLean, reflected on the resort’s pivotal role in putting Namibia on the international tourism map. “When I was contacted to assist with the hosting of Miss Universe at this new, groundbreaking resort in Namibia, I saw the opportunity. It was a chance to showcase our nation to millions through the telecast,” McLean stated.
The vision proved successful, with Namibia achieving an 11% increase in tourism the year following the 1995 Miss Universe pageant. McLean advised that ‘international organisers and crew members continue to recognise Namibia as one of the best host countries ever” for the prestigious event.
Bart Dorrestein, CEO and founder of Legacy Hotels, recalled the foundational discussions with Namibia’s newly independent leadership, including fond memories of braais and farm visits with Founding Father and first President Sam Nujoma and Aaron Mushimba, Nujoma’s brother-in-law.
“We had the vision to host Miss Universe and launch Namibia as a global tourism destination,” Dorrestein explained. Despite significant logistical challenges – including construction setbacks, sponsor difficulties and infrastructure limitations – the event became a major success story. “Six hundred million people that night watched Namibia. Six hundred million people knew about Namibia and appreciated the amazing people who live in this country. That was the start of a tourism journey for the whole country,” enthused Dorrestein.
Exceptional performanceHe went on to highlight the resort’s exceptional performance, noting it as ‘the best performing state-owned SME in the government portfolio’ and praising the property’s world-class standards, saying: “This asset stands here as a trophy asset that could stand anywhere in the world.”
Concluding his address, Dorrestein addressed broader economic considerations, emphasising the importance of inclusive growth. “We’ve got to make Namibia’s economy fly on the back of the will and drive and hope of the poor for better days,” he emphasised. “We’ve got to see them as an asset and bring them into the economy to participate in growing this country.”
Another highlight of the evening was the celebration of 11 long-service award recipients who have been with the company for 30 years. These dedicated individuals were honoured for their 30 years of unwavering dedication and celebrated for inspiring all with their commitment to excellence and for being instrumental in making the resort the extraordinary place it is today.
As Windhoek Country Club Resort enters its fourth decade of operation, the celebration served as a commemoration of past achievements and a commitment to continued excellence in hospitality and tourism development. The resort remains dedicated to maintaining its position as a flagship destination that showcases Namibia’s hospitality excellence to the world.