Don’t just chase tourism dollars – economist

OGONE TLHAGE WINDHOEKGovernment is being urged not to throw caution to the wind and relax restrictions for tourists from the northern hemisphere as Europe experiences its second wave of Covid-19 infections.While the Namibian government had pinned its hopes on reviving the tourism sector, which remains one of the most deeply affected, new lockdowns are being introduced in European countries, which will likely hamper any planned revival of the sector.Economist Omu Kakujaha-Matundu says it is important for the government not to let its guard down amid the surge of new cases in Europe.“A word of caution to the Namibian government is that, amidst the upsurge in Europe, Namibia should not chase the tourist dollar and let its guard down by relaxing local regulations vis-a-vis incoming tourists from Europe,” he said.Kakujaha-Matundu said the tourism sector will feel the effects of the pandemic for a long time to come.“Namibia cannot afford a second wave; that could be more devastating than foregoing tourist dollars. The tourism sector is in it for the long haul. The tourism revival plan will not bear fruit sooner. Tourist numbers won't stabilise until at least 2023,” he warned.OptimisticFellow economist Klaus Schade, on the other hand, is not too concerned, saying Namibia is regarded as a low-risk destination by a number of European Union (EU) countries and there is an overall perception that travel to Namibia is safe.“Namibia is one of the few African countries that is regarded as relatively safe and hence travellers are allowed to enter the EU,” he said.The uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 will cause economic havoc for some time to come, though.“The new restrictions could prevent some tourists from visiting Namibia, but not all. The uncertainties remain and will impact on the willingness of people to travel abroad in general and hence affect our tourism industry for quite some time,” Schade said.He is optimistic that some EU countries would relax some of their restrictions before the end of the year.“Hopefully, restrictions are lifted for the short Christmas season in the northern hemisphere so that we can welcome some visitors besides those from neighbouring countries.”Still hopefulGondwana Group CEO Gys Joubert, whose company owns a number of travel establishments across Namibia, said while the impact will be felt in the short term, he is optimistic the tide will turn in the long term.“It is terrible for us in the short term but hopefully good for us in the longer term. People want to travel, even if they cannot for the next month, but we are open. We keep on hoping,” he said.

Don’t just chase tourism dollars – economist

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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Don’t just chase tourism dollars – economist

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-12

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