Nationally, 36,390 beds were sold out of 137,840 available in February, compared to 37,753 beds sold out of 131,096 available in January, indicating increased capacity alongside weakening demand in Namibia’s hospitality sector.
Data released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) shows that the Rooms Occupancy Rate Index declined by 3.9% month-on-month in February, following a sharper 16.7% drop recorded in January. On an annual basis, however, the index rose by 3.7%.
“The Rooms Occupancy Rate Index fell by 3.9% on a month-on-month basis in February 2026, following a 16.7% decline recorded in January 2026. Despite this monthly drop, the index increased by 3.7% on a year-on-year basis,” the NSA said.
A total of 62,928 rooms were available nationwide during the month, of which 20,381 were occupied, resulting in an occupancy rate of 32.4%, down from 33.7% recorded in January.
Performance varied significantly across regions, with the central region recording a sharp contraction while other areas posted gains.
The central region saw occupancy levels fall by 47.4%, reflecting a marked slowdown in demand in the country’s main administrative and business hub.
By contrast, the coastal region recorded the strongest growth, with occupancy increasing by 37.1%. The southern region followed with an 11.6% increase, while the northern region posted a modest rise of 1.4%.
“In February 2026, hospitality establishments in the central region recorded a steep decline, while the coastal, southern and northern regions registered increases during the review period,” the NSA said.
Supply continued to expand, particularly in the northern and southern regions. The northern region recorded 29,176 rooms available, with 8,512 occupied, while the southern region had 20,408 rooms available, of which 6,685 were occupied.
The coastal region also recorded improved utilisation levels, supported by stronger growth in occupancy relative to other regions.
The Beds Occupancy Rate Index mirrored the trend, declining by 8.3% month-on-month in February after an 18.7% drop in January, while increasing by 0.9% year-on-year.
“The Bed Occupancy Rate Index declined by 8.3% on a month-on-month basis in February 2026, following an 18.7% decrease recorded in January 2026. However, compared to the same month a year earlier, the index rose by 0.9%,” the NSA said.
The central region again recorded the largest decline in bed occupancy, contracting by 47.6%, while the northern region declined by 5.1%. In contrast, the coastal region increased by 21.3% and the southern region by 5.0%, pointing to a shift in demand away from central areas.
