Namport has clinched a deal that will see six passenger cruise liners spend more days at Walvis Bay in October to boost tourism.

Normally, these cruise liners dock at the harbour for less than a day, spending less money on the local economy.

The Erongo Tourism Forum is making deliberate efforts to boost passenger cruise liner tourism.

In the past, Namport targeted 25 passenger cruise liners to dock at the harbour annually.

This number has, however, increased since the devastating impact of COVID-19 on the industry.

Many Namibians and visitors are expected to spend their Easter weekend in Swakopmund.

The popular holiday destination has experienced high levels of traffic into the town since the early hours of this morning.

NBC news reporter Stefan |Uirab interviewed the town's Mayor, Dina Namubes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security has launched visa on arrival services at an additional four entry points, bringing the total number of entry points in Namibia with visa on arrival to 11.

The new entry points are Oshikango, Mohembo, Ariamsvlei, Noordoewer, and Oranjemund Border Posts.

During the launch, the Home Affairs Minister stated that the decision to implement visas on arrival for tourists and visitors is in line with the principles and agenda of the African Union for Africa's integration agenda and visa-free Africa.

Namibia's port of Walvis Bay is a town experiencing rapid population growth from individuals in search of greener pastures.

However, the hopes of many to find employment here are, more often than not, dashed.

Vendors come from all corners of the country to sell their arts and crafts to passersby at the southern gate of the Namibian Ports Authority.

This is their surest means to sustain their livelihoods, they say.

It costs to endure all manner of weather, from the scorching sun to the cold breeze from the Atlantic Ocean.

The memorial service at Casa Rosalia on Monday was organised by the private sector and included tributes from several prominent figures reflecting on the late President Geingob's impact on Namibia.

The tributes emphasised President Geingob's understanding of the necessity of making tough decisions to build an inclusive and prosperous Namibia, as well as his focus on promoting tourism and creating a welcoming environment.

Furthermore, his initiatives to stimulate economic growth, ensure fair treatment for all, and influence various sectors were recognised.

In 2022, Namibia welcomed over 527,000 inbound visitors, who collectively spent approximately N$14,8 billion in Namibia.

This was revealed at the launch of the sixth edition of Namibia's Tourism Satellite Account in Windhoek.

According to the report, over 421,000 visitors were on holiday, leisure, or recreation, contributing about N$12 billion, which is 81.1 percent of the overall tourist expenditure.

Visitors in the category of friends and relatives accounted for about one billion dollars in spending.

Tourism is one of Namibia's fastest-growing industries, and as the holiday season approaches, thousands of tourists and holidaymakers, both local and foreign, will descend on the coastal town of Swakopmund.

nbc's coastal reporter Stefan |Uirab spoke to Anet Koetting, the manager of Atlantic Garden Boutique.

As the tourism sector steadily picks up and recovers from post-COVID-19 challenges, Environment, Tourism, and Forestry Minister Pohamba Shifeta says his ministry will support initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and employment creation.

Shifeta shared these remarks while addressing the graduation of tour guides at Hobatere in the Kunene Region.

A gala dinner was held to raise funds for the much anticipated three-day first-ever Zambezi Tourism and Business Expo slated for this week.

The expo, hosted by MovasK Investment with the aim of showcasing the richness of the region, will be held under the theme "Unleashing Tourism Potential in the Zambezi Region" from the 27th to the 29th of this month.

Zambezi governor Alufea Sampofu, who is also the chairperson of the Zambezi Tourism Forum, applauded the private sector efforts to rise and rebuild the region from the brink of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The local authorities of Swakopmund and Oranjemund have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at developing innovative solutions to residents' problems.

Housing development, tourism, and investment promotion, as well as waste management, are among the focus areas of the agreement.

Through the five-year agreement, the Swakopmund Municipality and Oranjemund Town Council will rely on exchanging information and expertise to improve service delivery to the public.