The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) says it sold out all 7,500 vouchers allocated under its Black Friday promotion within the first eight hours on the first day of sales.
Vouchers went on sale on the 25th of November and were expected to be on the market until the 1st of December.
The hospitality group now plans to add another 1,333 for classic and 167 for Eco resorts vouchers, “to accommodate those that could unfortunately not seize the opportunity the first time around”.
“My wish has always been that Namibians will be the first to experience our newly renovated resorts. When most of the renovations are set to be completed by January next year, I am excited that it will first be Namibians who will have an opportunity to experience the new look and feel. This also highlights what we know already. Locals are willing to travel. Costs, however, have been so high that it has made travelling impossible. Here is a great opportunity now,” NWR’s Manager for Corporate Communications Nelson Ashipala said.
The specials by NWR come amid revelation by research firm Simonis Storm that Namibia’s domestic tourism is under pressure with locals staying away from hotels and lodges due to rising cost pressures.
According to the Hospitality Association of Namibia’s latest figures, the proportion of Namibian guests at local hospitality establishments increased from 16% in September 2022 to 22.2% in October 2022.