Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.
The Namibian
Gitta Paetzold is happy with the sector's performance
“Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) chief executive Gitta Paetzold is happy with the sector's performance.”
Hospitality delivers landmark performanceThe Namibian
Gitta Paetzold expresses concerns about bookings ahead for latter part of year and next year
“Paetzold, however, expresses concerns about bookings ahead – especially for the latter part of the year, as well as next year.”
Hospitality delivers landmark performanceThe Namibian
HAN chief executive Gitta Paetzold warns proposed 50-metre zones could force smokers away from establishments
“She warns that the proposed 50-metre smoke-free zones could force smokers away from establishments.”
No Smoking!The Namibian
Gitta Paetzold says the association has no mandate to regulate pricing among its members
“Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) chief executive Gitta Paetzold says the association has no mandate to regulate pricing among its members, arguing that demand and supply of goods determine what consumers ultimately pay in the hospitality sector.”
Why a hotel Appletiser costs N$70 in NamibiaThe Namibian
Gitta Paetzold told tourists often feedback that city lacks events and museums lack proper storytelling
“Paetzold told The Namibian last week that the feedback the association often gets from tourists is that the city does not have events, and the stories around existing museums and historical buildings are not properly told.”
Windhoek needs more attractions, says hospitality associationThe Namibian
Gitta Paetzold said the hospitality industry did not see a similar decline in visitors
“However, she said the hospitality industry did not see a similar decline in visitors.”
Visa regime change bites tourismThe Namibian
Chief executive of the Hospitality Association of Namibia Gitta Paetzold said the tourism industry regularly fills up on fuel with fuel containers at service stations
“She said the tourism industry regularly fills up on fuel with fuel containers at service stations and then transports the fuel to the remote areas where the industry operates.”
Minister to clarify fuel anti-hoarding directive tomorrowThe Namibian
Hospitality Association of Namibia chief executive Gitta Paetzold says shortage of pilots threatens high-end and high-value tourism
“Tourism industry operators say the shortage of pilots threatens the industry, particularly high-end and high-value tourism.”
Aviation industry wants foreign pilotsThe Namibian
Hospitality Association of Namibia CEO Gitta Paetzold said tourism sector rebounded through targeted marketing and eco-conscious travel
“She says the tourism sector has rebounded through targeted marketing and a shift towards eco-conscious, intimate travel experiences.”
High-end tourism in robust recoveryNew Era
Gitta Paetzold notes overall room occupancy for Q4 2025 decreased by 2.5%
“The CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), Gitta Paetzold, notes that the latest tourism numbers show that the overall room occupancy for the fourth quarter of 2025 decreased by 2.5%.”
Room occupancy for Q4 drops by 2.5%Namibia's hospitality sector achieved nearly 70% occupancy in August, driven by European safari tourists and domestic weddings, surpassing the August 2025 level of 69.05% and approaching the August 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark of 67.18%. Northern Namibia recorded the strongest occupancy at 76.28%.
20 hours ago · The Namibian →
Namibia's hospitality sector achieved nearly 70% occupancy in August, driven by European safari tourists and domestic weddings, surpassing the August 2025 level of 69.05% and approaching the August 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark of 67.18%. Northern Namibia recorded the strongest occupancy at 76.28%.
20 hours ago · The Namibian →
The Ministry of Health and Social Services has proposed amendments to tobacco control laws that would prohibit smoking in indoor public places, workplaces, and outdoor zones of 50 metres around health facilities, educational facilities, and transport terminals. The ministry says the changes are needed to address new nicotine and tobacco products and their appeal to young people, though hospitality sector owners warn the restrictions could harm their businesses.
9 September 2026 · The Namibian →
A consignment of Jet A-1 aviation fuel that arrived at Walvis Bay failed routine testing, creating shortages at Windhoek airport. Passenger flights to Europe, including Discover Airlines services to Frankfurt and Munich, now require refueling stops in Luanda, Angola, under an emergency fuel supply arrangement with Vitol.
23 August 2026 · The Namibian →
The Hospitality Association of Namibia says hotels set their own prices under free-market principles, following public complaints about beverage costs—with Appletisers ranging from N$60 to N$70 at some establishments. The association argues that demand and supply determine pricing, and that hotel prices reflect additional operational costs beyond supermarket shelf prices.
22 July 2026 · The Namibian →
The Hospitality Association of Namibia says tourists find Windhoek lacks sufficient attractions and events, with feedback that museums and historical buildings are not properly promoted. While the city serves as a gateway to Namibia's tourism destinations, urban tourism remains limited to historic landmarks and township experiences.
21 July 2026 · The Namibian →
German tourist arrivals to Namibia in 2025 fell compared to the previous year, potentially due to a visa policy introduced last April that ended visa-free travel for European countries. The number of European visitors dropped from 266,000 in 2024 to 210,000 in 2025, though the Hospitality Association of Namibia notes the industry has not seen a similar decline in source markets.
28 June 2026 · The Namibian →
The minister of industries, mines and energy said he would clarify a directive issued Thursday that banned service stations from selling fuel in jerry cans or oil drums, after stakeholders in farming and tourism raised concerns. The ministry said the aim was to prevent panic buying, not to prevent legitimate purchases, though the Fuel and Franchise Association noted most Namibian farmers lack the consumer installation certificates required under the directive's exemption.
10 May 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia's aircraft operators say restrictive visa and work permit processes are constraining pilot availability, threatening aviation safety and tourism. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association notes that Namibia's pilot pool is exhausted, with only 2% of recent pilot job applicants being Namibian nationals, and calls for the Home Affairs ministry to expedite work permits for qualified foreign commercial pilots and flight instructors.
14 April 2026 · The Namibian →
Namibia recorded 1.26 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, a 45.5% increase from 2023, with the high-end sector experiencing robust recovery driven by demand for eco-conscious, low-density experiences in destinations like Etosha, Sossusvlei, and emerging remote areas. The sector is projected to generate N$4.6 billion in 2025 with continued growth expected from improved air connectivity and diversified marketing strategies.
13 February 2026 · The Namibian →
Hotel room occupancy in Namibia for the fourth quarter of 2025 dropped 2.5% to 51.99% annually, according to the Hospitality Association of Namibia. While European tourists increased, particularly from D.A.CH countries, the sector faces challenges from high pricing and potential new levies.
22 January 2026 · New Era →