There has been an increase of 87% in passenger vessels at the ports compared to the 2021/22 financial year.

When passenger liners dock at the Walvis Bay harbor, tour guide operators get excited as such vessels bring relief to tourism businesses that were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Namibian Ports Authority has recorded a major increase in passenger's vessels in the 2022/23 financial year, surpassing the numbers recorded in the past four financial years.

More than 15 art and craft vendors travelled to Walvis Bay from Kunene, Otjozondjupa, northern and Kavango regions to sell their products to tourists on the Queen Mary 2 passenger vessel.

The art and craft vendors are mostly women who support their families through the sale of souvenirs to tourists.

Rita Kaveto who is originally from Kavango East Region but sells her products at Okahandja told nbc News that the arrival of vessels supports their businesses sometimes.

The coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund received a boost, with the arrival of more than 2 000 tourists on the Queen Mary 2 Passenger Vessel.

The Queen Mary 2 passenger vessel docked at the Walvis Bay port bringing much-needed relief to businesses, which were hard hit following the outbreak of COVID-19.

This is but one of the six-passenger vessels expected to dock at the Walvis Bay harbour this month.

About 20 000 tourists arrived with other major passenger vessels last year in November, December as well as January 2023.