Tour company offers discount to previously stranded customers

A company that took 70 Namibians to Angola and left them stranded last month is planning another trip, this time offering the previously affected customers a 50% discount.

Viago Booking planned a 14-day trip to Angola last year which was expected to begin on 22 December and end on 4 January.

Each customer paid N$5 000 to cover transport, food, accommodation and daily activities. However, they ultimately ended up paying for these expenses out of their own pockets.

The company’s founder, Walter Mucungui, in a statement earlier last month said they were going to refund all customers who were affected.

Mucungui announced a second trip on Monday, saying that customers will be given a 50% discount and a complimentary activity.

“The 50% discount is a goodwill gesture to previously affected customers. It is not intended to place additional financial strain on the company,” he said yesterday.

Mucungui said upcoming trips will be structured on a smaller scale, with adjusted costs to ensure it remains viable while allowing the company to support previously affected customers.

While acknowledging that customer trust may have been affected, he noted that Viago is relaunching trips with smaller groups and clearer communication to ensure a more controlled and realistic experience.

“Our focus is on gradually rebuilding credibility through action rather than promises,” he said.

Mucungui noted that customers have not been paid yet as the company has not been able to generate income following the incident. However, he said the decision to relaunch their trips is linked to the reality that generating revenue in a controlled way is the only sustainable path the company can take to meet its outstanding obligations.

“Please know we have not forgotten anyone, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding. We remain committed to resolving all outstanding matters as the business stabilises,” he noted.

He added that the fallout from last year affected not only the company but himself personally, resulting in significant emotional, financial, and reputational strain.

“There are still unresolved questions regarding how certain financial processes were handled during that period. My role within Viago was primarily focused on marketing, administration and partnerships.”

Prolonged payment delays and challenges related to currency exchange, he said, also contributed to the difficulties faced by the company.

“We are committed to learning from the past, improving our operations and delivering travel experiences that truly meet your expectations. We are excited to welcome you again soon under better conditions,” Mucungui said.

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