Tourism inflows in Namibia continue to rise, with the national occupancy rate reaching an impressive 60.3% in May 2024, official figures reveal.
Simonis Storm said the 60.3% is the highest rate recorded this year and the highest since October 2019, which saw a peak occupancy rate of 69.9%.
Simonis Storm Junior Economist Halleluya Ndimulunde said this milestone for the tourism industry surpasses the 55.8% recorded in May 2019 and 50.8% in May 2023.
“During May, northern establishments led with a 63.0% occupancy rate, followed closely by coastal areas at 62.3%, and southern areas at 61.8%. However, central areas experienced a notable decline, with occupancy dropping to 42.3%, down from 66.7% in April 2024,” she said.
Leisure tourism dominated the scene, accounting for 94.8% of arrivals in May 2024. Northern areas were the top choice for these travellers, while coastal regions were preferred for business travel, with a substantial increase in occupancy for business purposes to 29.9%, up from 9.0% in April 2024.
The percentage of Namibians visiting hospitality establishments decreased slightly to 17.7% in May 2024, down from 19.1% in April 2024 and 22.5% in May 2023.
Meanwhile, visitors from South Africa made up 6.1%, while the rest of Africa contributed 1.1%. Europeans continued to dominate, representing 66.0% of visitors, with tourists from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland being the most prominent.
This comes as the Namibia Tourism Board announced the introduction of Discover Airlines’ new route from Munich to Windhoek, set to launch in April 2025.
“This expansion in flight options is expected to enhance connectivity and increase European visitor numbers. The new route will make travel to Namibia more convenient for international tourists, further promoting the country’s attractions and hospitality sector,” Ndimulunde stated.
However, she noted that the government’s recent announcement to implement visa requirements has raised concerns.
“While it promotes reciprocity and enhances border security, it may also deter international tourists, particularly from countries now subjected to visa requirements. Tourists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, who make up a significant portion of Namibia’s tourism market, could be particularly affected,” she said.
As Namibia gears up to host AViaDev Africa and the African Hospitality Investment Forum this month, an uptick in occupancy rates is anticipated, particularly in central areas.
The Hospitality Association of Namibia has expressed concerns over the new visa policy’s potential impact on attendance and event participation.
“The success of the policy will depend on our ability to mitigate its impacts and negotiate agreements to sustain tourist inflows. Despite the challenges, we remain optimistic about the future of Namibia’s tourism industry,” Ndimulunde emphasised.
