Namibia’s tourism sector could face clearer rules governing agreements between conservancies and private operators as competition authorities and government work to address regulatory uncertainty around exclusive tourism arrangements.
Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) spokesperson Dina //Gowases said the Commission is engaging the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) on developing an aligned and predictable regulatory environment for tourism businesses operating in conservancies and national parks.
The discussions follow NaCC’s investigation into alleged exclusive-dealing arrangements between conservancies and private tourism operators, which has raised questions about how existing tourism and conservation arrangements interact with Namibia’s competition laws.
According to //Gowases, the engagements are aimed at harmonising the legal frameworks governing the sector so that environmental conservation, economic empowerment, investment promotion and competition policy are advanced in a complementary manner.
She said regulatory intervention should recognise the importance of tourism to Namibia’s economy, including its contribution to employment, foreign exchange earnings, community development and conservation.
//Gowases said some contractual arrangements may provide the investment certainty required by private tourism operators, but these arrangements must remain consistent with competition legislation.
“Although certain contractual arrangements may promote investment certainty or other policy objectives, they must remain consistent with fair competition and inclusive economic participation,” she said.
She said competition law is intended to safeguard market opportunities, broaden consumer choice, encourage innovation and prevent practices that may unduly lessen, distort or restrict competition.
However, //Gowases stressed that NaCC’s role is not limited to imposing penalties, but also includes supporting an environment in which industries can grow and contribute to national development while complying with competition laws.
She said NaCC and MEFT are working towards a regulatory framework for tourism activities in conservancies and national parks that is aligned, predictable and supportive of Namibia’s development priorities.
The proposed approach is expected to balance conservation objectives, private investment, community benefits and competitive market participation.
According to //Gowases, NaCC will continue engaging government, tourism operators, communities and other affected stakeholders as it works towards greater legal certainty and regulatory coherence in the sector.
