Business, conference travel on the rise

The total average occupancy at tourism establishments increased with 7% in April compared to the same period last year, while business travel made up more than 13% of accommodation registered during the month. According to statistics provided by the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), the total national average occupancy was over 58% in April and even 4% higher than the average occupancy for April 2019. The year 2019 is known as the last pre-pandemic year for tourism.The association&#039;s CEO Gitta Paetzold said European markets dominate the Namibian tourism sector, while German-speaking countries still maintained a prime position. Specifically visitors from Germany, Switzerland and Austria made up 38.02%. She said what is exciting to note is that business travel seems to be returning slowly but surely, with over 13% of the accommodation registered in April noted as business travel, especially in the hotel segment. “Last year, business and conference travel constituted just over 8%, while in 2019 business travel made up 13.5% of the accommodation numbers and conferencing some 3.6%.”Paetzold said with Namibia preparing to host major events in the coming weeks and months, they expect this trend to continue and, in particular, the conference business sector to pick up strongly. Barely capturedMeanwhile, she admitted that the pure camping segment of the Namibian industry is still understated, "despite HAN having added a special column for this category into its reporting form".She said the visible presence of self-drive travellers on Namibian roads and in towns, restaurants and other tourism attractions points to a much higher prevalence of camping in the country - information that could possibly be held by especially the car rental companies offering fully-equipped vehicles.Paetzold said while HAN solely relies on the contribution and input from its members the registered commercial tourism accommodation businesses listed in Namibia and with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), it must be assumed that an additional stream of business and revenue flows into Namibia via online booking platforms and businesses listed on these platforms only. However, this is barely captured in terms of official revenue or tax declaration, and yet it has an impact and footprint on the Namibian environment and infrastructure, she noted.Paetzold added that with the Namibian tourism industry this week focusing on &#039;conscious travel&#039; and responsible tourism development during the Travel Namibia Festival event, the impact of tourism and the extent to which Namibia&#039;s infrastructure and the environment can sustain tourism development will come under scrutiny.According to her, sustainable development is the key to success, adding that stakeholders and operators are committed to ensure that the focus remains on sustainability.

Business, conference travel on the rise

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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Business, conference travel on the rise

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-17

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