AGP Executive Report

Slow Travel: Cargo-ship voyages to Namibia remain an option for travellers seeking remote destinations, despite pandemic-era closures that shrank the niche industry. Safari Outlook: Four Vestige Collection lodges are planned for northern Namibia from spring 2027, creating a new route through Damaraland, Etosha and Khaudum, with desert-adapted wildlife among the draws. Tourism Pulse: Namibia’s tourism occupancy has risen to 66.5%, while a new report points to strong visitor demand across the region. Remote Work: Namibia’s digital nomad visa offers eligible remote workers a stay of up to six months; applicants need monthly income of at least US$2,000. Conservation: A nearly N$100,000 fence at Otjizeka Primary School aims to protect pupils from desert lions, supporting safer coexistence in a wildlife-rich area. Regional Cruise Tourism: Cruise travel contributed R5.7 billion to the Western Cape economy over four seasons, benefiting tour operators, restaurants, retailers and transport businesses.

Tourism Recovery: Namibia’s tourism occupancy climbed to 66.5%, with hospitality occupancy reported above pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter. New Safari Circuit: Four Vestige Collection lodges are planned for northern Namibia from spring 2027, linking Damaraland, Etosha and Khaudum and creating a new route for wildlife travellers. Remote-Work Stays: Namibia’s digital nomad visa allows eligible remote workers to stay for up to six months; applicants need monthly income of at least US$2,000, plus additional income for dependants. Wildlife and Community Safety: Tourism operator ultimate.earth has invested nearly N$100,000 in a fence to protect pupils at Otjizeka Primary School from desert lions, helping address a key challenge for communities living alongside wildlife.

Remote-Work Travel: Namibia’s digital nomad visa offers South Africans a stay of up to six months. Applicants must work for clients or companies outside Namibia and show monthly income of at least $2,000. Northern Namibia’s New Lodge Circuit: Four Vestige Collection lodges are set to open from spring 2027, linking Damaraland, Etosha and Khaudum. Red Savannah is planning itineraries around the new route and its desert-adapted wildlife. Tourism Demand: Namibia’s tourism occupancy rose to 66.5%, a positive sign for the sector. Russia also entered the top 10 source countries for visitors to Namibia. River Cruise Extensions: AmaWaterways is promoting Chobe River cruises and the Zambezi Queen, with options to extend trips into Namibia.

2027 Travel: Luxury travel company Red Savannah has named northern Namibia among its destinations to watch, as four Vestige Collection lodges are set to open from spring 2027, linking Damaraland, Etosha and Khaudum in a new safari circuit. Visitor Trends: Russia entered Namibia’s top 10 source markets for the first time in 2026, with Russian visitor numbers rising 2.5-fold in 2025. Hospitality: Namibia’s room occupancy reached 66.49% in the third quarter, above both 2025 and pre-pandemic levels, though September occupancy eased. Conservation Tourism: A new feature on Damaraland’s black rhinos spotlights the region’s conservation progress and emerging safari camps, while a N$100,000 fence near Otjizeka Primary School aims to improve safety for pupils living alongside desert lions.

Wildlife & Community: Namibian travel company ultimate.earth has invested nearly N$100,000 in fencing at Otjizeka Primary School to protect pupils from desert lions, supporting safer coexistence with wildlife. Growing Visitor Markets: Russia has entered Namibia’s top 10 source countries for tourist arrivals for the first time, following a sharp rise in Russian visitors in 2025. Hospitality: National room occupancy reached 66.49% in the third quarter of 2026, beating the same period in 2019 and 2025. Safari Spotlight: A new look at black rhino conservation in Damaraland highlights the people and community-led efforts behind Namibia’s wildlife experiences. Park Readiness: After a 2025 fire damaged part of Etosha, the government says it is strengthening prevention with firebreaks and strategically placed water tankers.

Visitor Demand: Russia has entered Namibia’s top 10 source markets for the first time in 2026, after arrivals from the country rose 2.5-fold in 2025. Etosha Protection: Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has urged stronger wildfire preparedness after last year’s fire damaged the park; planned measures include firebreaks and strategically placed water tankers. Hotel Performance: Namibia’s room occupancy reached 66.49% in the third quarter, above both 2025 and pre-pandemic levels, according to HAN’s first-draft figures. Air Links: Discover Airlines plans to increase Windhoek services to five weekly flights in 2027, strengthening access from Germany. Regional Travel: Namibia and Angola have agreed to cooperate on tourism and establish a one-stop border post at Oshikango and Santa Clara, potentially easing cross-border journeys.

Tourism Performance: Namibia’s accommodation occupancy reached 66.49% in the third quarter, above both 2025 and pre-pandemic 2019 levels, though September room occupancy softened. Air Connectivity: Discover Airlines is set to increase its Windhoek service to five flights a week from 2027, improving access for visitors from Europe. Regional Travel: Namibia and Angola signed agreements covering tourism and a planned one-stop border post at Oshikango–Santa Clara, a potential boost to cross-border trips. Tourism Promotion: The Namibia Tourism Board used Windhoek’s Diplomatic Fair to showcase the country’s wildlife, culture and travel experiences to international representatives.

Tourism Performance: Namibia’s accommodation occupancy reached 66.5% in the third quarter of 2026, above both last year and 2019 levels, HAN reports. Air Links: Discover Airlines is expanding its Munich fleet and will increase Windhoek services to five flights a week, improving access for international visitors. Regional Travel: Namibia and Angola signed agreements covering tourism and a one-stop border post at Oshikango–Santa Clara, alongside plans to strengthen transport links. Adventure Tourism: The 401km Nedbank Desert Dash returns on 11–12 December, drawing local and international riders from Windhoek to Swakopmund.

Road Travel: Petrol is now N$7 a litre above its pre-April price, a 36% net increase, and commuters are watching for another review at month-end — a growing cost pressure for visitors and road trips. Tourism Promotion: The Namibia Tourism Board used Windhoek’s Diplomatic Fair to showcase the country’s wildlife, culture and travel experiences and build international tourism partnerships. Cross-Border Links: Namibia and Angola signed agreements covering tourism and culture, alongside plans for a one-stop border post at Oshikango and Santa Clara. Adventure Travel: The 401km Nedbank Desert Dash returns from 11–12 December, bringing international cyclists from Windhoek to Swakopmund for its 22nd edition. Windhoek Attractions: The city is inviting local artists to design public art for electrical infrastructure, a project intended to celebrate local identity and enhance the capital’s appeal to visitors.

Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and BIPA are teaming up to simplify tourism business registration and compliance. BIPA has also launched online name reservations, letting applicants use the service from anywhere and avoid office queues and travel costs. Resort Watch: Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including its thermal pool, are closed for safety repairs. The IPC is seeking answers about maintenance and the N$220 million government investment in the resort. Regional Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, giving the region a platform to showcase its culture, tourism attractions and businesses. Cruise Travel: A five-night cruise from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, including two days in Namibia, is listed from R12,235 per person. Golf Tourism: More than 100 golfers from Namibia and South Africa competed in the Ongos Windhoek Open in Windhoek, where Likius Nande won by three strokes.

Regional Road Safety: Two people died when a vehicle carrying University of Namibia staff and conference delegates overturned on the Katima Mulilo–Ngoma road after a tyre burst. Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and Bipa have agreed to improve information-sharing and simplify registration and compliance for tourism operators. Resort Update: Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including the thermal pool, are closed for safety repairs, prompting questions about maintenance after a N$220 million redevelopment investment. Zambezi Spotlight: The region will host Miss Namibia 2027, with organisers hoping the event will showcase its culture, businesses and tourism attractions. Cruise Stopover: A five-night cruise from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, including two days in Namibia, is listed from R12,235 per person.

Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and Bipa have teamed up to simplify registration and compliance for tourism operators, with a joint committee planned to improve coordination. Resort Watch: Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including its thermal pool, are temporarily closed for safety repairs; the IPC is seeking answers about the N$220 million redevelopment and maintenance of the resort. Destination Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, giving the region a national platform to showcase its culture, attractions and businesses. Events & Experiences: Namibia’s second polo showcase brings international players to La Muela, with organisers aiming to grow the sport and create tourism opportunities. Golden Hour: Namibia has three destinations in a new global ranking of sunset spots, with Sossusvlei placing second. Cruise Links: A South African cruise guide highlights Walvis Bay as a stop on a five-night Cape Town round trip.

Skeleton Coast Heritage: A look back at the 1942 Dunedin Star wreck and its perilous rescue highlights a dramatic chapter in the Skeleton Coast’s history. Resort Update: Namibia Wildlife Resorts faces questions over maintenance after closing Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including its thermal pool, for safety repairs. Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and Bipa have agreed to coordinate business registration and compliance, aiming to make it easier for tourism operators to meet requirements. Destination Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, using the national event to showcase its culture, attractions and businesses. Golden-Hour Appeal: Namibia placed strongly in a global ranking of sunset destinations, with Sossusvlei in second place overall.

Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and Bipa have signed an agreement to streamline tourism business registration, share information and improve compliance. Resort Upkeep: Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including its thermal pool, are temporarily closed for safety repairs. IPC is seeking answers about maintenance after the resort’s N$220 million redevelopment. Destination Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, using the event to showcase its culture, tourism attractions and businesses. Desert Light: Sossusvlei ranked second in a global golden-hour survey, praised for its striking desert scenery and lack of light pollution. Community Tourism: A tourism company and its foundation donated seven computers to a school near Brandberg, linking conservation-area tourism with local education. Cruise Access: A five-night cruise from Cape Town to Walvis Bay, with two days in Namibia, is listed among South Africa’s cruise options.

Tourism Business: The Namibia Tourism Board and Bipa have agreed to improve information-sharing and make tourism business registration and compliance clearer and easier. Resort Update: NWR has temporarily closed Gross Barmen’s indoor pools, including its thermal pool, for safety repairs. The closure has revived questions about maintenance of the resort, redeveloped with N$220 million in public funding. Zambezi Spotlight: Zambezi will host Miss Namibia 2027, giving the region a national platform to promote its culture, attractions and businesses. Travel Appeal: Namibia has three destinations among the world’s top golden-hour spots, with Sossusvlei praised for its desert scenery and lack of light pollution. Conservation and Community: Tourism company Ultimate Earth donated seven computers to a rural school near Brandberg, linking support for education with the future of communities in conservation areas.

Zambezi Tourism: The region will host Miss Namibia 2027, using the national platform to showcase its culture, attractions and businesses to audiences at home and abroad. Events and Experiences: La Muela Polo Club’s second showcase brings international players to Namibia and aims to grow the sport while creating tourism and local business opportunities. Golden-Hour Appeal: Namibia placed three destinations in a global top 20 for sunset light, with Sossusvlei ranked second overall for its clear skies and lack of light pollution. Conservation Communities: Tourism company Ultimate Earth and its foundation donated seven computers worth about N$100,000 to a school near Brandberg, supporting education in a conservancy community.