NTB cracks down on unregistered Airbnb listings

Namibian homeowners offering listings on Airbnb risk imprisonment if they fail to register with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) by 30 April this year.NTB issued a notice last week, warning Airbnb operators that it is illegal for any individual to offer overnight accommodation to paying guests without being registered with the tourism authority.NTB urged individuals offering accommodation through platforms such as Airbnb to comply with Namibian law by registering their establishments with NTB by the given date.“Failure to do so will result in legal action, including criminal proceedings against non-compliant individuals.”Section 19 of the NTB Act stipulates that any person who provides accommodation to a tourist in an establishment not registered under Section 20 of the Act commits an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine not exceeding N$20 000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.Registration paramount NTB spokesperson Flora Quest told Network Media Hub that while "we cannot provide exact registration numbers, the popularity of Airbnb continues to grow, not as a category but as an online application.”Quest said the application fee for homeowners listed on Airbnb to register with NTB is N$200 per unit or apartment.“Once the inspection is completed and the business is approved, a registration fee of N$50 will apply.”Quest explained that, to comply with NTB regulations, an application form should be obtained from the NTB website or its head office.Regarding the inspection, she noted that, under Section 18 of the Act, inspectors are authorised to enter and inspect premises to ensure compliance, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines or imprisonment.Protect tourism “The recent increase in unregistered accommodation providers, shuttle operators and other tourism-related businesses is a significant concern, not only for the safety and quality of tourism services but also for the overall integrity of Namibia’s tourism sector," Quest said. She said NTB is taking a firm stance to ensure Namibia’s tourism industry remains safe, transparent and competitive.“Failure to comply will result in strict enforcement, including fines, possible imprisonment and the shutdown of illegal operations.”She added: “We urge all operators to register promptly and follow the law, as NTB will not tolerate any deviation from these regulations. Compliance is not optional, and we will take all necessary actions to protect the industry, tourists and the economy of Namibia.”In Namibia, over 1 000 establishments are listed on Airbnb.

NTB cracks down on unregistered Airbnb listings

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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NTB cracks down on unregistered Airbnb listings

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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