Namibia’s Tourism Sector Rebounds with Promising Growth. The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) has published its 2024 annual tourism occupancy report, highlighting impressive growth in the country’s tourism sector. The report reveals a national room occupancy rate of 54.48%, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and marking a significant milestone for the industry’s recovery.
“This is a significant achievement,” said HAN Chief Executive Gitta Paetzold. She noted that the 2024 occupancy rate is nearly 3% higher than in 2023 and exceeds 2019’s pre-COVID figure by 1%.Namibia’s tourism recovery is largely driven by strong performance in key international markets. “Central Europe, as Namibia’s most established and biggest source market, has shown continued growth over the past two years,” Paetzold explained. She also highlighted growth in the United States and British markets, although African and Asian markets are still on the path to recovery.
Despite these gains, the report indicates a decline in domestic tourism compared to pre-pandemic levels. This presents a challenge for the sector, as local travelers have historically played a crucial role in sustaining the industry.
Paetzold emphasized the importance of air connectivity in sustaining and expanding Namibia’s tourism growth. She attributed the strong performance of the Central European market to direct flights between Windhoek and Frankfurt, Germany.
“We are excited about the upcoming direct connection between Windhoek and Munich starting in April. This new route will strengthen access from southern Germany, Austria, and other southern European markets,” she stated. However, she stressed the need for further expansion in Namibia’s air access capacity to sustain growth.
Paetzold also addressed the importance of Namibia’s upcoming visa policy, set to be introduced on April 1, 2025. “It is imperative for Namibia to clearly and prominently communicate its new visa policy to reassure our established and potential travel markets that the country remains open and accessible to travelers worldwide,” she said.
The 2024 tourism occupancy report showcases Namibia’s resilience and potential for growth. With strong international markets, strategic air connectivity, and supportive policies, the country is poised to further solidify its position as a top global travel destination.
However, challenges such as declining domestic tourism and limited air access remain areas of focus. As Namibia continues to rebuild its tourism industry, collaboration between government, airlines, and industry stakeholders will be crucial to sustaining this upward trajectory.
