As in previous months, most visitors to Namibia in October 2024 came from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, collectively accounting for 43.86% of international tourists, a report by Simonis Storm reveals.
Local travellers followed with the highest domestic occupancy rate of 12.93%, though this marked a decline from 14.63% in September. Visitors from France contributed 7.97% of total tourists.
“Interestingly, the Benelux Union countries Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg showed an increase in visitor numbers, with their occupancy rate rising from 6.93% in September to 8.10% in October 2024. The strong presence of tourists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Benelux countries can be attributed to direct flights between Frankfurt and Windhoek, which continue to facilitate travel from these key source markets.
“Local travel showed a downward trend, with domestic visitors accounting for 12.93% of hospitality occupancy in October 2024, down from 14.63% in September and 17.5% in August. South African tourists decrease their share, from 5.53% in September to 3.19% in October. This highlights a shift in the regional travel dynamic, with South Africa emerging as less significant contributor to Namibia’s tourism sector,” explained Simonis Storm.
October 2024 marks the shift from Namibia’s peak international tourism season to a period driven by local and regional travel. The national occupancy rate for October stood at 65.15%, slightly lower than the 65.54% recorded in October 2023 and below the pre-pandemic level of 69.87% from October 2019.
Month-on-month, the rate dropped marginally by 0.35 percentage points from 65.50% in September 2024. The year-to-date (YTD) occupancy rate for2024 averaged 54.17%, falling just short of the 54.76% seenin2019, highlighting a steady, though incomplete, recovery. Regional data for October reveals notable differences across the country.
“Northern Namibia recorded the highest occupancy rate at 72.38%, rising from 68.67% in September, largely due to increased demand from political rallies held in the area. Central Namibia saw an improvement to55.00%, supported by various social events in Windhoek. Meanwhile, the coastal region, which led in September with a 74.45% occupancy rate, dropped to 62.56%, reflecting a seasonal decline in international tourism.”
The southern region also saw a slight dip, with occupancy falling to 60.37% from 60.78% the previous month. Leisure travel continues to dominate the market, contributing 96.44% of total room occupancy in October. Business travel accounted for 3.33%, showing a modest increase from prior months, while conference stays remained minimal at 0.23%, consistent with October 2023. The coastal region attracted most business travellers, driven by international representatives from the energy sector engaging in Namibia’s expanding oil and gas industry.
“This regional saw the highest conference occupancy rate at 0.88%, supported by tourism events. The reinstatement of FlyNamibia’s daily flights between Windhoek and Lüderitz has further improved accessibility for business travel. Despite these gains, leisure travel remains the primary driver of Namibia’s tourism sector, with business and conference travel still playing smaller roles. Although the national occupancy rate remains below pre-pandemic levels, the varying performance across regions and the gradual increase in business travel signal an evolving tourism landscape. This shift could open new opportunities for investment and strategy in key regions, particularly those benefiting from infrastructure improvements and diversified travel demand,” said Simonis Storm.
On the other hand, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has reported a significant increase in domestic tourism bookings for the 2024 festive season, highlighting a growing enthusiasm among Namibians to explore their country. Namibian travelers led bookings in December 2024, accounting for 12.8% of unit occupancy, with an 8% share projected for January 2025.
According to NW ’s Manager of Corporate Communications, Nelson Ashipala, this growth is largely attributed to initiatives like the Namleisure card and exclusive discounts that have made travel more affordable and accessible. South African tourists also continue to show strong interest in Namibia, particularly drawn to coastal fishing activities that are a festive season staple. To capitalize on this momentum, NWR plans to launch a Black Friday special offering reduced rates for Namibians and SADC residents, aiming to further lower travel barriers and promote Namibia’s rich landscapes and cultural heritage.
“The festive season promises a significant boost to Namibia’s hospitality sector, with domestic and SADC visitors expected to drive demand, particularly in the Northern and Coastal regions, which remain key holiday destinations. This anticipated surge presents an opportunity to enhance economic performance through targeted promotional campaigns and service improvements in these high-traffic areas.
“NWR’s initiatives, such as the Namleisure card and upcoming Black Friday specials, are well-aligned with the need to foster domestic and regional tourism. By addressing affordability and accessibility, these efforts are likely to stimulate greater interest in exploring Namibia’s diverse landscapes and cultural offerings. South African tourists, traditionally drawn to coastal activities, will continue to support the s c o ’s growth during this period,” said Simonis Storm adding that the festive season is typically associated with increased consumer spending, as many households prioritize travel, leisure, and shopping during this time of year.
“This heightened activity may result in a moderate uptick in CPI for December, reflecting elevated demand for goods and services. While an expected rate cut in December could provide some financial relief, its immediate impact may be limited, as festive spending often reflects planned expenditures and heightened sentiment rather than short-term changes in borrowing costs. Despite some positive developments, potential challenges remain.
“Regional competition, rising travel costs, and new visa requirements for some international markets could impact visitor numbers. Overcoming these barriers will require a collaborative approach involving the Ministry of Tourism, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and private stakeholders. Streamlining visa processes, improving connectivity, and ensuring high-quality experiences will be essential for sustaining growth and maximizing the festive season’s potential.”