Namibia needs to pronounce itself clearly on new visa policy – HAN

Accommodation establishments in Namibia recorded an overall occupancy rate of 54.48% last year, which is nearly 3% higher than 2023 and also 1% higher than 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic brought the tourism sector to a near standstill. In 2023 the occupancy rate was 51.92% and in 2019 it was 53.50%.The CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), Gitta Paetzold, has also expressed hope that Namibia will soon pronounce itself clearly about its new visa policy, expected to be introduced on 1 April. This will reassure both established and potential travel markets that Namibia remains open and easily accessible to travellers from around the globe, she said. She said the figures compiled in the recently concluded 2024 annual tourism occupancy report reflect the continued growth of this important sector of the Namibian economy.Central Europe, as Namibia’s most established and biggest source market, has shown continued growth over the past two years, Paetzold said, in addition to the USA and the UK markets, while the African and Asian markets are still recovering. Moreover, data submitted by HAN members show that the proportion of Namibian guests at establishments across the country has declined from 26% in 2019 to below 20% in 2024.“While financial pressure could be one of the causes of this decline, HAN suggests that the noticeable increase in offerings of Airbnb and other informal tourism offerings developing across the country may also serve the Namibian market well, and it would thus be advisable for tourism authorities to assess and record the growth in tourism infrastructure development across the country, said Paetzold.December showed a 43.68% occupancy rate, with Namibians making up the bulk of the guests at 32.49%.A total of 204 international guests enjoyed camping during December, spending 268 nights camping, while 1 817 SADC and Namibians camped out last month for 3 181 nights, HAN data shows. Easy vacation access Paetzold said HAN believes the strong performance of the central European market during 2024 is directly linked to the easy access into Namibia through the direct airline connectivity between Windhoek and the international hub in Frankfurt in Germany. “While we look forward to seeing Windhoek connected directly to Munich in Germany as of April, as a hub for southern Germany, Austria and other southern European markets, it is imperative to add to Namibia's air access capacity if we want to see the arrival numbers to Namibia grow in the future," she emphasised.Unique destination Paetzold said HAN is also hopeful that continued efforts by the Namibia Airports Company and its 'Air Connect Namibia' initiative will bear fruit soon and lead to the arrival of more international airlines connecting Namibia to global travel markets.“HAN is optimistic about the potential of tourism in 2025," she said. She said that Namibia is a stable, peace-loving nation with convenient infrastructure and unique attractions.Tourism statistics, such as the occupancy reports provided by the Hospitality Association of Namibia on a monthly, quarter and annual basis, are aimed at reflecting the impact and importance of this sector.Paetzold said that entering 2025, HAN is committed to demonstrating 'Why Tourism Matters', in terms of the socio-economic impact it has on Namibia, its people and the environment.

Namibia needs to pronounce itself clearly on new visa policy – HAN

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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Namibia needs to pronounce itself clearly on new visa policy – HAN

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-17

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