NWR’s key resorts fully booked as tourism recovers

Ellanie Smit
Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has expressed its delight about the continued positive recovery of Namibia's tourism industry, with some of its key resorts recently fully booked out.

Accommodation establishments in Namibia recorded an overall occupancy rate of 60.98% for July, just outperforming 2019 when an occupancy rate of 59.6% was recorded.

The tourism ministry recently announced that Namibia recorded 539 601 foreign arrivals in 2022, a substantial 99.4% rise from the 270 644 recorded the previous year.

Meanwhile, the number of tourists who visited Namibia increased to 461 027 in 2022, up 98.1% from the previous year’s 232 756 visitors. This figure indicates a 28.9% recovery level from the 2019 tourist arrival statistics.



Resilience

Nelson Ashipala, NWR spokesperson, said with the current upswing in visitor numbers, the company is on track to a better performance in the current financial year.

He said in a significant achievement that underscores the resilience of Namibia's tourism sector, the weekend of 18 to 20 August saw NWR’s key resorts, including Halali, Okaukuejo, Olifantsrus, Namutoni, and Sesriem, achieve an impressive 100% occupancy rate.

"This remarkable milestone serves as a testament to the unwavering interest in Namibia's breath-taking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and exceptional hospitality offerings," said Ashipala.



Inspirational

Managing director of NWR, Dr Matthias Ngwangwama, expressed his satisfaction with the robust recovery the company has witnessed.

"We are thrilled to witness such a swift rebound in tourism. The dedication of our team, along with the enduring allure of Namibia's natural wonders, has played a pivotal role in our rapid resurgence. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of service and providing unforgettable experiences for our esteemed guests."

He said NWR's success story stands as an inspiration to the entire hospitality industry, highlighting the potential for recovery even in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Ngwangwama emphasised the importance of collaboration among hospitality players to collectively enhance the quality of visitor experiences across the nation.

"As the tourism industry rebuilds, we encourage all stakeholders to unite in delivering unparalleled hospitality. Our guests deserve nothing less than the best, and by working together, we can elevate Namibia's reputation as a premier travel destination."