During the first quarter of the year, the Erongo Region recorded a 60% increase in room occupancy rates in the hospitality sector.

The Erongo Regional Tourism Forum, chaired by Governor Neville Andre, released statistics at Swakopmund, indicating a promising recovery for the tourism industry.

Forum member Annet Kotting says the 60% increase in room occupancy rates means the region has outperformed others and continues to bounce back after the devastating impact of COVID-19.

"The Erongo Region is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant marine life and has continued to showcase its potential as a prime tourist destination. The Namibia Tourism Board, on the other hand, recorded an increase of 381 registered new tourism businesses during 2022 to date, of which tour operators and self-catering accommodation are the majority within the region. Hence, we are optimistic that tourism in the region and across the country will continue to grow," said Kotting.

She added that Walvis Bay has become a hub for cruise ship tourism, with close to 30,000 tourists received through the port between October 2023 and June this year.

Cruise tourism is expected to grow during the next season from November 2024 until January 2027, and 65 cruise liners have already pre-booked their arrival.

According to Kotting, governments' introduction of visas upon arrival has improved the experience on cruise ships, with 36 visas issued since April.

However, she says there is a need to deploy more immigration officers whenever multiple cruise liners arrive to speed up the process.

Kotting revealed that the Walvis Bay International Airport also supported growth in tourist numbers of close to 80,000 passengers in 2023, representing a recovery rate of 62%, adding that "having the airport and having the harbour does bring additional capacity to the region. Walvis Bay Airport, with the input of the ministries, those things together I think will help the region and will also help the backlog. At the moment, all tourists arrive at Hosea Kutako, so it means all tours start there."

The Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Tourism Forum, Neville Andre, said "We have also engaged the Airports Company, seeing the growth and potential of the Walvis Bay Airport, to look at increased facilities and also the capacity of the airport. I think they are looking at our request to expand the facilities."

The Tourism Forum is confident that the airport has great potential to create a new market for the country.