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Bus operators see a 15-20% decline in bookings for 2009
After several good years, Namibia prepares for a slowdown
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tourism has been growing well in Namibia over the past five years, with international arrivals up 7.1% in 2006 and 11.5% in 2007 when a total of 929,000 came to the country. Figures for 2008 are not finalised, but the year is said to have ended positively, with arrivals up again by 3-5%, reflecting impressive growth in the first half of the year. In general the European market has been particularly healthy, with Nambia’s largest European source Germany increasing by 18% in 2007 to 80,400. The UK was up 14% (28,200), France +25% (15,000) and the Netherlands +9% (13,300), and there were strong performances from Switzerland and Italy as well as from small, but fast accelerating, Portuguese and Spanish markets.
However, with long-haul travel plummeting, and European economies in decline, Namibia’s tourism sector is naturally anxious about prospects for 2009. There have not yet been mass cancellations, according to Fenata, the umbrella organisation that represents Namibia’s private tourism sector. In fact, Fenata says, it is clear that some tour operators have already secured full payment from their clients for their 2009 visits. But companies dealing with the hunting market note some decline in bookings, and tour bus operators see a 15-20% decline in bookings for 2009, according to research carried out by the organisation.
Namibia’s 2009 tourism performance could stagnate, says Fenata, but investment in tourism infrastructure will be significantly down, as will opportunities for bringing new employees into the industry. Wealthier travellers from South Africa - which is by far the largest travel market for Namibia with 250,000 visits in 2007 - could revert to destinations closer to home this year, suggests Fenata. Namibia allows South Africans to spend in rand - a great advantage for South Africans who want to avoid converting their cash into a hard currency. And Namibians themselves will continue to travel in their own country, says Fenata, so new marketing strategies need to be put in place to develop this vital source of business.
However, with long-haul travel plummeting, and European economies in decline, Namibia’s tourism sector is naturally anxious about prospects for 2009. There have not yet been mass cancellations, according to Fenata, the umbrella organisation that represents Namibia’s private tourism sector. In fact, Fenata says, it is clear that some tour operators have already secured full payment from their clients for their 2009 visits. But companies dealing with the hunting market note some decline in bookings, and tour bus operators see a 15-20% decline in bookings for 2009, according to research carried out by the organisation.
Namibia’s 2009 tourism performance could stagnate, says Fenata, but investment in tourism infrastructure will be significantly down, as will opportunities for bringing new employees into the industry. Wealthier travellers from South Africa - which is by far the largest travel market for Namibia with 250,000 visits in 2007 - could revert to destinations closer to home this year, suggests Fenata. Namibia allows South Africans to spend in rand - a great advantage for South Africans who want to avoid converting their cash into a hard currency. And Namibians themselves will continue to travel in their own country, says Fenata, so new marketing strategies need to be put in place to develop this vital source of business.
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