Namibia’s latest hospitality stats show that the country’s fledgling tourism industry has risen from the pandemic ashes, recording occupancy rates for January 2023 that exceeded those of January 2019.
The monthly tourism accommodation report from the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), showed that average occupancy from association members stood at 37%, almost 3% higher than in January 2019.
“If the accommodation numbers for the first month are anything to go by, we are en-route to full recovery and even growth in the travel and hospitality sector,” said HAN CEO, Gitta Paetzold.
The statistics were gathered from 48 accommodation establishments, who sold a total of 19 544 room nights out of a total available of 52 693.
The leading overseas source markets for the country are Germany, Switzerland and Austria, which together accounted for 31.6% of occupancies for the month, compared with 24.8% in January 2019.
“Very pleasing to note is the fact that for January 2023, the domestic travel market showed a growth of some 5% compared to 2019, proof that Namibians have established a steady travel culture, willing to explore and enjoy their own country,” Paetzold added.
She said the MICE market – on which the country is placing high hopes – was marginally behind 2019 levels.
“Namibia is predestined to become a convenient MICE destination, given the infrastructure in terms of accommodation, conference facilities, roads, telecommunication and scope for incentives and adventure experiences. What is lacking is a concerted and co-ordinated effort by all stakeholders and role players to present and promote Namibia as the events destination of choice.”
Patezold said after the establishment of the Namibian Investment Promotion and Development Board in 2021, the next crucial step was to establish a national convention bureau to advance the country’s potential.
“Namibia has what it takes, and now, what it takes from both public and private sectors is a commitment to showcase Namibia as an ideal target for investments, incentives, events, conferences and conventions as well as the leisure travel market.”
