Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) recorded 44,014 visitors to its lodges during the 2023 festive season, a 5.49% increase in occupancy rate from the prior year.
NWR said the lodge occupancy rate stood at 39.69% compared to 34.20% in 2022.
According to NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala, a high influx was mostly observed at the campsites such as Olifantsrus with an increase of 14.10%, followed by Terrace Bay at 10.55% while Torra Bay and Jakkalsputz had 9.80% and 8.54%, respectively.
However, Namutoni performed poorly, recording a negative occupancy of -0.71, whereas Dolomite saw a slight surge of 0.49%, tailed by Ai-Ais at 1.59% and Hobas at 1.79%.
“Most resorts show improved occupancies compared to 2022, mostly at the coastal resorts, though smaller camps. Positive improvements were also observed at Waterberg and Popa Falls which saw an increase of 5.12% and 5.87% respectively,” said Ashipala.
“Namibians heeded our call and travelled this festive season, thus NWR is extremely happy with its performance during this festive season.”
Earlier in December, NWR had expressed disappointment in the relatively low number of Namibians taking up travel opportunities within the country, despite concerted efforts to promote domestic tourism.
NWR had noted that the majority of visitors to NWR facilities remained Europeans, with a significant number hailing from Germany.
From November 2022 to November 2023 a total of 511,984, European occupants visited Namibia Wildlife Resorts facilities with a majority, 35,013 or about 7% of total clients, originating from Germany.
South Africa’s market had shown resilience, contributing 90,296 guests, while further interest was being observed from the Botswana market, with 394 guests having visited.
