The Namibian Tourism Board says that, once the Tourism Bill is passed, it will no longer regulate the tourism industry. 

CEO Digu //Naobeb revealed this at a tourism stakeholder engagement held in Windhoek. 

//Naobeb says the research was conducted in 2018 to develop a national growth and development strategy, which recommended that the mandate of NTB be changed to that of the destination marketing organization and have the entity move away from regulatory functions.

"Issues that were raised lead to this decision were that the stakeholders expressed concern that the industry is over-regulated and it impedes the growth of investment for this industry."

Currently, the tourism industry is regulated through the NTB Act, the Local Authorities Act, the Land Board Act, the Transport and Traffic Act, and by traditional authorities in communal areas and conservancies. 

Once the Bill becomes operational, NTB will be transformed into a national marketing agency for Namibia as a tourism destination - locally, regionally, and internationally.

All regulatory functions will then be carried out by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism.

"That document has been submitted to the cabinet approved by the cabinet and tabled as there are some asking questions. It's a national document."

Another reason for NTB's transformation is the fact that the board is said to be overloaded with 10 mandates to carry out at present.

This transition will see the NTB's mandate and strategies redefined towards managing the entity's reputation, establishing quality visitor experience, and building Namibia's destination brand.