Tourism inflows continue their positive trajectory, with the national occupancy rate reaching 60.3% in May 2024, according to statistics released by Simonis Storm.
This is the highest rate observed this year and the highest since October 2019, when the occupancy rate was 69.9%.
“This milestone for the tourism industry surpasses the occupancy rates of 55.8% recorded in May 2019 and 50.8% recorded in May 2023,” said Simonis Storm in a tourism report.
During the period under review, northern establishments achieved the highest occupancy rate at 63.0. Coastal areas followed closely with a 62.3% occupancy rate, and southern areas recorded 61.8%. Interestingly, central areas had the lowest occupancy rate at 42.3% in May 2024, a drop from 66.7% reported last month, 54.9% in May 2023, and 53.9% in May 2019.
Leisure tourism remains the primary driver of tourist inflows, accounting for 94.8% of arrivals in May 2024. The northern areas were the most preferred destination, while coastal areas were the least favoured. However, coastal areas emerged as the top choice for business travellers, with 29.9% of hospitality establishments occupied in May 2024, a significant increase from 9.0% in April 2024.
“Despite this, the number of travellers occupying establishments for conference purposes remains below prepandemic levels, with only southern area establishments being utilized in May 2024. The percentage of Namibians visiting hospitality establishments decreased to 17.7% in May 2024, down from 19.1% in April 2024 and 22.5% in May 2023.
“This however remains higher than the occupancy rates of other regions. Visitors from South Africa accounted for 6.1%, while the rest of Africa contributed 1.1%. Europeans continue to constitute the largest portion of visitors in Namibia’s hospitality establishments, making up 66.0% in May 2024,” says Simonis Storm.
Tourists from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland were the most prominent, followed by visitors from France and Benelux. Other regions contributed smaller shares: North America (4.9%), Asia (2.0%), South America (0.3%), the Middle East (0.14%), and the rest of the world (1.8%).
In a positive development for Namibia’s tourism industry, the Namibia Tourism Board recently welcomed the introduction of Discover Airlines’ new route from Munich to Windhoek, set to launch in April 2025. This expansion in flight options is expected to enhance connectivity and increase the number of European visitors. The new route aims to make travel to Namibia more convenient for international tourists, further promoting the country’s attractions and hospitality sector.
International arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 almost matched 2019 levels, reaching 97% according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with around 285 million tourists who travelled internationally during this period, a 20% y/y increase compared to the same time in 2023.
This growth was driven by high demand, the reopening of Asian markets, better air connectivity, and easier visa processes. The Middle East experienced the most significant growth, with arrivals surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 36%. Europe also showed progress, recording a 2% increase over 2019 figures for the first time in any quarter. Africa saw a 5% rise in arrivals compared to the first quarter of 2019. The Americas nearly reached their pre-pandemic numbers at 99%, while Asia and the Pacific improved their recovery to 82% of pre-pandemic levels, up from 65% in 2023. Furthermore, the UN Tourism Confidence Index suggests a positive outlook for May-August 2024. Nevertheless, economic and geopolitical challenges continue to hinder the full recovery of international tourism and overall confidence levels.