The Namibian tourism industry is reportedly on the brink of a significant downturn following the Cabinet’s recent decision to impose a new visa regime on countries that do not reciprocate Namibia’s visa-on-arrival policy. This move, announced last week, is set to impact tourist arrivals and employment within the sector, raising concerns among industry stakeholders.
The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security will implement the visa requirements for visitors from 31 countries, excluding those with existing reciprocal arrangements, such as Angola, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. This decision comes as a blow to a sector that directly contributed 6.9% to Namibia’s GDP in 2022, equating to N$14.3 billion, and provided 57,571 direct jobs, representing 7.9% of total employment.
Bonnie Mbizo, acting CEO of the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), voiced serious concerns over the policy’s implications. “Namibia is part of the global village and deserves respect, especially when we extend an olive branch to others,” Mbizo stated. He stressed that the decision could reverse the recent uptick in tourist arrivals and negatively affect income for hotels and tour operators. “We need consultation to provide our input and ensure the best outcome for all involved.”
Echoing this sentiment, Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), expressed disappointment at the lack of prior consultation. “This decision sends a troubling message to the global travel trade,” she said. Paetzold highlighted the competitive nature of the tourism industry and warned that Namibia’s efforts to position itself as a premier travel destination could suffer a major setback.
Defending the policy, Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Albert Kawana cited the mistreatment of Namibians abroad as a driving factor. “Our nationals are often treated like criminals, even with valid visas,” Kawana explained. He emphasized the government’s responsibility to ensure fair treatment for its citizens and assured that arrangements would be made for tourists with pre-existing bookings to minimize disruption.
Currently, Namibia grants visa exemptions to around 55 countries, but only 18 reciprocate. Despite the sector’s recent positive trends—such as a 58% hotel occupancy rate in April, up 7% from the previous year—the new visa regime threatens to stymie this growth. The Namibia Statistics Agency reported a significant increase in passenger arrivals in March 2024, with a total of 90,917 passengers, reflecting an encouraging rise from the previous month. However, these gains now face potential reversal.
Economic analysts at Simonis Storm Securities noted that international tourist arrivals at various airports amounted to 71,584 passengers from January to February 2024, an increase from 57,921 during the same period in 2023. Although these figures show improvement, they still fall short of pre-pandemic levels. The positive momentum seen in the first two months of 2024, with an average of 35,792 arrivals, is now under threat.
The Namibian tourism industry stands at a critical juncture. As stakeholders urge for reconsideration and dialogue, the sector’s resilience and adaptability will be tested in the coming months. The global travel community watches closely as Namibia navigates this challenging landscape, hoping for a balanced solution that respects national sovereignty while fostering international tourism and economic growth.
