The festive season promises a significant boost to Namibia’s hospitality sector, with domestic and SADC visitors expected to drive demand, particularly in the northern and coastal regions, which remain key holiday destinations. This anticipated surge presents an opportunity to enhance economic performance through targeted promotional campaigns and service improvements in these high-traffic areas.
NWR ’s initiatives, such as the Namleisure card and upcoming Black Friday specials, are well-aligned with the need to foster domestic and regional tourism.
By addressing affordability and accessibility, these efforts are likely to stimulate greater interest in exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. South African tourists, traditionally drawn to coastal activities, will continue to support the s c o ’s growth during this period.
The festive season is typically associated with increased consumer spending, as many households prioritize travel, leisure, and shopping during this time of year. This heightened activity may result in a moderate uptick in CPI for December, reflecting elevated demand for goods and services. While an expected rate cut in December could provide some financial relief, its immediate impact may be limited, as festive spending often reflects planned expenditures and heightened sentiment rather than short-term changes in borrowing costs.
Despite some positive developments, potential challenges remain. Regional competition, rising travel costs, and new visa requirements for some international markets could impact visitor numbers. Overcoming these barriers will require a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and private stakeholders. Streamlining visa processes, improving connectivity, and ensuring high-quality experiences will be essential for sustaining growth and maximizing the festive s ason’s potential
As in previous months, most visitors to Namibia in October 2024 came from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, collectively accounting for 43.86% of international tourists. Local travelers followed with the highest domestic occupancy rate of 12.93%, though this marked a decline from 14.63% in September.
Visitors from France contributed 7.97% of total tourists. Interestingly, the Benelux Union countries Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg showed an increase in visitor numbers, with their occupancy rate rising from 6.93% in September to 8.10% in October 2024.
The strong presence of tourists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Benelux countries can be attributed to direct flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek, which continue to facilitate travel from these key source markets.
Local travel showed a downward trend, with domestic visitors accounting for 12.93% of hospitality occupancy in October 2024, down from 14.63% in September and 17.5% in August. South African tourists decrease their share, from 5.53% in September to 3.19% in October. This highlights a shift in the regional travel dynamic, with South Africa emerging as less significant contributor to Namibia’s tourism sector.
Gondwana Collection Namibia has made significant strides in enhancing the tourism infrastructure with the inauguration of a new N$15 million headquarters for its car hire business, Namibia2Go Car Rental, located at Hosea Kutako International Airport. – Simonis Storm
