Low local travel uptake concerns NWR – Windhoek Observer

Martin Endjala

The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has expressed disappointment in the relatively low number of Namibians taking up local travelling opportunities despite concerted efforts to promote domestic tourism in the country.

The majority of visitors to NWR facilities remain Europeans, with a significant number hailing from Germany.

“From November 2022 to November 2023 a total of 511,984 occupants visited Namibia Wildlife Resorts facilities with a sizeable number of about 35 013, accounting for about seven percent of our total clients originating from Germany. South Africa’s market has shown resilience, contributing 90,296 guests to our resorts. We are also seeing interest from the Botswana market, with 394 guests having visited our facilities”.

The concern was raised by NWR Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala, who highlighted that out of a total of 511 984 clients, 22 622 are Namibian luxury travellers.

This equates to four percent of its total guests. He said that NWR will try to come up with more initiatives to encourage local travellers.

“We are disappointed that more Namibians have not embraced the opportunity to explore the beauty of their own country through travel. While we welcome and appreciate our European visitors, we believe that local tourism is an essential component of our industry’s success.

We should remember that NWR has a mandate to ensure cost-effective travel options, we will push for just that,” Ashipala said.

He further highlighted the proactive measures NWR is taking to encourage domestic tourism. He acknowledged that travel is a significant investment, and to make it more accessible for Namibians, they have come up with special promotions.

These exclusive offers he said, are tailored to entice citizens to experience the unparalleled beauty and hospitality the resorts have to offer and the Southern African Development Community special is one of that.

Ashipala is urging Namibians to take advantage of these special offers and rediscover the wonders within their borders, thereby reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to fostering a vibrant local tourism sector that benefits both communities and the nation’s economy.