The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has expressed disappointment in the relatively low number of Namibians taking up leisure travel opportunities within the country, representing only 4.4% of the 511,984 visitors to its lodges.
Out of a total of 511,984 clients who visited NWR lodges between November 2022 and November 2023, only 22,622 were Namibian luxury travellers.
European occupants accounted for 35,013 or about 7% of the hospitality group’s clients, with the majority originating from Germany.
The South African market contributed 90,296 guests to NWR resorts during the period under review, with 394 guests from Botswana having visited the company’s lodges.
“We are disappointed that more Namibians have not embraced the opportunity to explore the beauty of their own country through travel. While we welcome and appreciate our European visitors, we believe that local tourism is an essential component of our industry’s success. Despite concerted efforts to promote domestic tourism, the majority of visitors to NWR facilities remain Europeans, with a significant number hailing from Germany,” NWR Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said.
He highlighted the proactive measures NWR is taking to encourage domestic tourism, such as having special promotions running.
“We understand that travel is a significant investment, and to make it more accessible for Namibians, we currently have special promotions running. These exclusive offers are tailored to entice our fellow citizens to experience the unparalleled beauty and hospitality our resorts have to offer. The SADC special is one of these,” Ashipala said.
This comes as research firm Simonis Storm has recorded a significant increase in travel expenses. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) is a hospitality provider in Namibia, offering a diverse portfolio of lodges and resorts while promoting sustainable tourism and preserving Namibia’s natural heritage.
