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Wednesday, 22 July 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 22 July 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Hospitality Association of Namibia

Also known as: HAN

Hospitality Association of Namibia — industry body tracking occupancy rates and sector performance, weighing in on visa policy impacts and joint-venture models.

2025-02-092026-07-22

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. July 2026
  2. The Namibian

    Hospitality Association of Namibia says Windhoek does not have much to offer in terms of attractions

    Source

    Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) chief executive Gitta Paetzold says a number of tourists find Windhoek boring, saying the city does not have much to offer in terms of attractions.

    Windhoek needs more attractions, says hospitality association
  3. June 2026
  4. The Namibian

    Hospitality Association of Namibia stated that visa policies could be making the country a less competitive tourism destination

    Source

    Hospitality Association of Namibia chief executive Gitta Paetzold told The Namibian yesterday that visa policies, among other issues, could be making the country a less competitive tourism destination.

    Visa regime change bites tourism
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Hospitality Association of Namibia reported national occupancy reached 62.17% in May 2026

    Source

    with national occupancy reaching 62.17% in May 2026, up sharply from 56.21% in May 2025 and comfortably above the pre-pandemic May 2019 benchmark of 55.83% according to HAN.

    Hospitality sector posts its strongest May performance on record
  6. April 2026
  7. Informanté

    Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) warned that any move to question exclusivity principle could undermine investment, conservation, and community livelihoods

    Source

    the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) warning that any move to question this principle could undermine investment, conservation efforts, and community livelihoods in the sector.

    Hospitality association raises concern over scrutiny of JV tourism model
  8. January 2026
  9. New Era

    Hospitality Association of Namibia published 2025 Annual Tourism Accommodation occupancy report

    Source

    This is based on the 2025 Annual Tourism Accommodation occupancy report representing a variety of accommodation categories like hotels, bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) as well as lodges countrywide.

    Room occupancy for Q4 drops by 2.5%
  10. February 2025
  11. The Namibian

    Hospitality Association of Namibia thanked Nujoma for his contribution to the country's development

    Source

    In a statement issued yesterday, the Hospitality Association of Namibia thanked Nujoma for his contribution to the country's development.

    Business sector honours Nujoma's legacy in economic growth and industrialisation

Yesterday

  1. Windhoek lacks attractions to retain tourist interest

    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.

    15 hours ago · The Namibian

Sunday 28 June

  1. New visa policy linked to drop in German tourism

    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

Wednesday 24 June

  1. Namibia hospitality sector reaches record May occupancy at 62.17%

    Namibia's hospitality sector achieved 62.17% national occupancy in May 2026, up from 56.21% in May 2025 and above the pre-pandemic May 2019 benchmark of 55.83%, driven by early-season safari and nature-based tourism demand ahead of the winter dry season. The Northern region led with 65.19% occupancy, while coastal and central regions also posted gains.

    24 June 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Sunday 10 May

  1. Minister to clarify anti-hoarding fuel directive next day

    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

Thursday 23 April

  1. Tourism hospitality group opposes Competition Commission scrutiny of JV model

    The Hospitality Association of Namibia has warned that the Competition Commission's questioning of exclusivity clauses in the country's joint-venture tourism model could undermine investment, conservation, and rural livelihoods. The association argues that exclusivity is essential to securing long-term private-sector funding for over 50 community-based tourism lodges and campsites operating under the framework.

    23 April 2026 · Informanté

Tuesday 14 April

  1. Aviation industry calls for faster foreign pilot work permits

    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

Friday 13 March

  1. Tourism stakeholders seek stronger policy alignment and coordination

    Tourism stakeholders in Erongo have called for improved inter-ministerial coordination in tourism concessions and stronger policy structures as the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism reviews the National Tourism Policy. The revised policy aims to reflect emerging global trends and local realities, with emphasis on sustainability, digitalisation, and improved data management.

    13 March 2026 · New Era

Friday 13 February

  1. Namibia's tourism sector recovers to 79% of pre-pandemic levels

    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

Thursday 22 January

  1. Namibia's Q4 hotel occupancy falls 2.5% year-on-year

    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

Hospitality Association of Namibia — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute