Namibia has a unique blend of wildlife, spectacular scenery, and various cultures. Natural sights include the Namib Desert, that is the oldest barren region in the world; the Fish River Canyon, that is the second one-largest canyon after the Grand Canyon; the world-well-known sand dunes at Sossusvlei; the Skeleton Coast with its awesome landscapes; and Etosha National Park, one in every of the biggest recreation reserves in Africa. Coupled with its herbal splendor, Namibia’s proper street infrastructure, potable water, and lower stages of crime than most of its neighboring international locations make it an ideal vacation spot for tourists.
According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tour and tourism contributed approximately 14.7 percentage of GDP in Namibia, and 15.4 percent to general employment in 2019. Excluding neighboring African countries, the US represents Namibia’s 1/3-largest traveler marketplace (at the back of Germany and the United Kingdom). Many American travelers go to as part of package deal excursions. American recreation hunters are a growing and important segment for Namibian tourism operators.
Currently, the Namibian tourism industry is combating for survival. The impact of COVID-19 hollowed out the industry, causing mass business closures, layoffs, and unsustainable debt. Experts are expecting tourism enterprise healing might be painful and sluggish with pre-COVID degrees of traffic and sales unlikely to go back till 2024. Disruption will reshape Namibia’s tourism enterprise and will create new opportunities for U.S. groups. Leading Sub-SectorsHospitality, restaurant, hotel control and schoolingPackaged excursion offerings, specifically in area of interest segmentsInformation era answers for the hospitality enterpriseSpecialized gadget for faraway (off-grid) lodgingOpportunities
Firms inquisitive about sending travelers to Namibia ought to are seeking for partnering opportunities with neighborhood operators. Firms may additionally desire to recognition on precise niches. Niche tourism opportunities encompass:Wildlife safaris – Etosha National Park and other parks provide global elegance safaris with upscale accommodations both interior and close to the parks.Hunting tours – Namibia has a properly-evolved game and trophy hunting sector.Cultural / Educational tours – Namibia is an tremendous vicinity for tourists inquisitive about getting to know approximately the cultural anthropology of Southern Africa. Tours are to be had for people interested in studying more about the San, Herero, Himba, Oshiwambo, Nama, Damara, and other Namibian ethnic groups. Some vacationers look for educational experiences and need to learn about Namibia’s unique climate and geography (including its two international famous deserts, the Kalahari and Namib).Adventure excursions – Many travelers enjoy the unique journey opportunities (sand boarding, kite surfing, sky diving, quad cycling, mountain cycling, hiking, tenting, and so on.) which Namibia gives. There are a number of endurance race events (walking, biking, and combined sports) hosted in Namibia.Ecotourism – Increasingly, tourists need to stay at destinations that have minimum impact on (or mixture in with the) the environment. Lodging and excursion companies are more and more catering to this market.
Firms interested in growing partnerships have to don’t forget attending the yearly Namibia Tourism Expo, held in May/June of every 12 months.
Operators (excursion/shipping groups, lodges, and eating places) will more and more want statistics technology answers in order to allow them to higher manipulate prices and understand their customers’ needs. While there are a few larger excursion operators and lodging companies presenting nation of the art facts generation solutions, the Namibian tourism marketplace remains pretty fragmented with many small operators. Most small operators most effective have a restricted Internet presence. Companies that may offer fee powerful net-based marketing and reserving solutions should locate willing clients in Namibia.
Growth within the tourism zone is also fueling improvement and construction of new accommodations in both urban and far off areas. Partnering for creation jobs might be a possibility for U.S. corporations, however it’ll probably be difficult for U.S. firms to win creation contracts as there are many qualified nearby and South African companies. Chinese production corporations have also penetrated the Namibian production marketplace in current years. There are possibilities for companies that can provide specialized eco-friendly gadget and materials – water and sanitation, energy, hygiene, etc. – for brand spanking new resorts in far off areas. Existing resorts that are increasing or rehabilitating may also be seeking out those styles of equipment.ResourcesNamibia Tourism BoardNamibia Tourism ExpoHospitality Association of NamibiaFederation of Namibia Tourism Associations (FENATA)Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism