The Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) has expressed disappointment in Namibians for not taking up travel opportunities within the country.
This comes after NWR recorded a low turnout by Namibians between November 2022 and November 2023 at its resorts.
NWR spokesperson Nelson Ashipala said on Tuesday that despite concerted efforts to promote domestic tourism, the majority of visitors to NWR facilities remain Europeans, with a significant number hailing from Germany.
“From November 2022 to November 2023, a total of 511 984 occupants visited NWR facilities with a sizeable number of about 35 013 or about 7% of our total clients originating from Germany,” Ashipala said.
South Africa’s market has shown resilience, contributing 90 296 guests to the resorts, he said.
“We are also seeing an interest from the Botswana market, with 394 guests having visited our facilities.”
According to Ashipala, out of a total of 511 984 clients, 22 622 are Namibian luxury travellers, which equates to 10% from the total guests, he said.
Ashipala said NWR will try to come up with more initiatives to encourage local travellers.
“We are disappointed that more Namibians have not embraced the opportunity to explore the beauty of their own country through travel. While we welcome and appreciate our European visitors, we believe that local tourism is an essential component of our industry’s success,” Ashipala said.
He said the NWR has a mandate of ensuring cost effective travel options and they will push for that, and implement proactive measures to encourage domestic tourism.
“We understand that travel is a significant investment, and to make it more accessible for Namibians, we currently have special promotions running,” he said.
The offers are tailored to entice Namibians to experience the unparalleled beauty and hospitality NWR resorts have to offer.
“NWR invites Namibians to take advantage of these special offers and rediscover the wonders within their own borders,” Ashipala added.
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