Namibia’s national hotel occupancy fell to 61.65% in October 2025, down from 66.60% in September, according to the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN).
Simonis Storm Economist Almandro Jansen said the latest figure is around 8% below pre-pandemic averages and 3% lower than the 65.15% recorded in October 2024.
He noted that although the peak tourism season ended on a softer outcome, the sector remains largely stable.
“The moderation reflects the natural tapering of international inflows as the high season concludes. However, underlying performance remains broadly positive, supported by strong European arrivals that continue to exceed 2019 levels,” he said.
According to Jansen, as international demand cools, momentum is expected to shift towards domestic and regional travellers during the festive period.
The Coastal Region delivered the strongest performance, closing October with the highest occupancy rate nationwide at 73.52%, up from 65.71% in September.
“This is the region’s highest level since September 2024 and marks a return above the 70% threshold, supported by continued demand from long-haul markets,” he said.
Visitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were the most dominant, accounting for 45.29% of recorded arrivals to the coast.
The economist added that the region also benefited from strengthened business travel linked to ongoing oil and gas activity in Walvis Bay and Arandis, along with project work related to Namport’s infrastructure upgrades, helping sustain mid-week occupancy.
In the Northern Region, occupancy stood at 63.84%, slightly lower than 65.73% in September and well below the 72.38% recorded in October 2024. Year-to-date occupancy in the region reached 53.09%, trailing the 2024 benchmark of 54.93%.
“Nonetheless, arrivals were supported by demand for wildlife and nature-based travel, particularly to Etosha National Park, the Okavango River and the wider Kunene landscape, which traditionally attract international visitors during October,” Jansen said.
The Southern Region recorded 58.19% occupancy, down from 63.37% in September and slightly below the 60.37% posted in October 2024. Leisure travel remained the main driver, with Sossusvlei continuing to anchor demand.
Lüderitz is also emerging as a secondary business destination due to growing economic activity and rising investment interest, helping to steady occupancy despite the seasonal slowdown.
The Central Region recorded the weakest performance, with occupancy dropping to 49.27% from 78.86% in September and falling below the 55.00% reported in October 2024.
“The decline reflects a slowdown in conference-related travel, reduced government and corporate activity in Windhoek during October, and a seasonal shift in visitor flows towards coastal and wildlife destinations,” Jansen said.
Visitor-purpose data showed that leisure tourism dominated across the country. In October, 98.08% of arrivals were leisure-driven, concentrated mostly in the coastal and northern regions.
Business travel accounted for 1.92%, while conference-related visitation registered 0.00%, in line with seasonal trends.
“Overall, despite a month-on-month cooling, the tourism sector continues to demonstrate strong international appeal. The outlook now shifts towards domestic-led travel as the country enters the festive season,” Jansen said.
