Namibia’s tourism industry is facing a pressing need for the development of new tourist destinations, as existing facilities are reaching maximum capacity, an official has said.
Federation of Namibian Tourism Associations (FENATA) Chairman Martin Webb-Bowen emphasised the importance of exploring alternative options, including developing currently inaccessible areas within national parks and underutilised regions like Western Etosha and the Skeleton Coast Park.
With peak seasons, especially during European summer holidays, putting immense strain on popular destinations like Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Damaraland, innovative solutions are required to alleviate pressure on natural resources and iconic wildlife species.
“We can’t just keep increasing numbers during the big season because the areas that are normally visited are already stretched, particularly in terms of natural resources and especially in terms of water,” he said at an FNB tourism session on Tuesday.
He noted that the strain on natural resources, notably water, and the negative impact on iconic wildlife species in areas like Damaraland are evident and that simply constructing more accommodations is not a viable solution.
“Some areas, particularly near sources of water, are approaching their maximum carrying capacity in terms of water usage. So it wouldn’t help to build another 300-room lodge because if they could get enough water from their guests, it wouldn’t be enough for anybody else’s,” he said.
Webb-Bowen said to address these challenges, Namibia must explore alternative options such as developing parts of national parks that are currently inaccessible for tourism, like Western Etosha.
He believes that such development could generate revenue for park maintenance, offer unique experiences, and help reduce poaching. Additionally, he highlighted the underutilisation of Skeleton Coast Park.
“Skeleton Coast Park is also severely underutilised, with currently only one working concession… There’s clearly scope for other concessions in this vast area,” he said.
However, highlighted that changes in park legislation may be necessary to allow air access to these regions.
Speaking at the event, CEO of Hospitality EQ Barry Clemens emphasised the untapped potential of Namibia beyond its renowned wildlife attractions and the need to expand the country’s tourism offerings beyond the commonly known aspects.
“When we talk about Namibia, people often envision its wildlife, but there’s so much more to explore and experience. From culture to history, sports, and now the cruising industry, Namibia has diverse opportunities waiting to be explored,” remarked Clemens.
Clemens particularly underscored the potential of agri-tourism in Namibia.
“We were discussing earlier the limitations on certain businesses like McDonald’s due to sourcing constraints. Agri-tourism presents a significant opportunity to not only attract tourists but also to cultivate local resources and create sustainable supply chains,” he explained.
The CEO urged for a shift in mind-set towards responsible and quality-driven tourism development.
“We need to approach tourism development with diligence and ensure that every aspect of the value chain, from accommodation to service delivery, meets the highest standards. This extends to involving local communities in a meaningful way, ensuring that they benefit equitably from tourism initiatives,” he said.
Clemens highlighted the need for genuine community involvement, cautioning against superficial engagement that often side-lines local interests.
“Many souvenirs and crafts marketed as ‘local’ are often mass-produced in factories, with locals receiving minimal benefit. We must empower local communities and ensure their meaningful participation in tourism activities,” he said.
