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ANGELINA JOLI AND BRAD PITT visit OKONJIMA’s new VILLA!!

The Namibian Travel News, June 2006
"Nobody is fooled into booking a trip when a head of state visits a country!! It is usually not even worth a fleeting report on international news. NOT SO with movie stars. Our Deputy Minister visited them on behalf of Tourism and the Minister of Information warned the PAPARAZZI to behave! The entire population became protective of their privacy and wellbeing, and those who’ve rented their beach houses to photographers hopefully stopped bragging about it!! Moreover, Brad and Angelina were interested in what we Namibians are doing about HIV, conservation and education, and they are exceptionally well informed!!

Suddenly their opinion matters to people here who hadn’t even known of their existence, because it seems that what they find interesting and worthwhile matters to many people around the globe whom we can NEVER afford to reach through magazines and TV channels."

NAMIBIAN Government Protects freedom of VIP visitors
"No marketing budget,  however substantial, could ever buy the publicity Namibia received during the past few months following the arrival of the Hollywood couple, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, in the country (May, June, July 2006) and the Namibian Government’s efforts not to let paparazzi spoil their stay was applauded.

In a statement issued by the Namibian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting,  international journalists were warned not to try to enter the country without valid working permits, as well as an invitation from the couple to confirm that they had agreed to an interview.  This must be the first time ever anywhere in the world that such a bold step was taken by a government to protect the privacy of VIP visitors.  The Namibian tourism industry and the public welcomed this move by Government.  Although press freedom is enshrined in the Namibian Constitution, the privacy and wellbeing of international visitors to the country were considered to be valuable and a necessary matter of courtesy.

Maureen Posthuma, Namibia Tourism Board Director for Western Europe, was quoted in the daily Republikein newspaper as saying that Namibia’s position as a boutique destination has been confirmed in the eyes of many prospective visitors because of Brad and Angelina’s choice. According to Maureen, hundreds of articles all positive, appeared in the international media since their arrival, confirming that this had been the best thing that could possibly have happened to Namibia."

Grazia Magazine

Click on the magazine image to read the article. >>

OKONJIMA’S comments:
"Ms Jolie and Mr Pitt stayed with us for 4 days and were one of the easiest guests we’ve had. There were NO special requests, and no demands of ANY kind!
All they wanted was to be ‘left alone’ and it was all about family time!! They are the most down to earth celebrities we have met, and they are BOTH amazing parents.
They both loved The Villa,  - Brad especially, who has a great knowledge of architecture.
Holly Goline, Angelina’s best friend told us that The Villa was one of the nicest ‘African Homes’ they had ever stayed in!!
They all loved the fact that they were so PRIVATE and away from the paparazzi!"

OKONJIMA Guest book entry – April 2006:

"Thank you for a wonderful stay! The food was amazing and the kids loved it here. Angelina and BP"