Namibia tourism occupancy hits 66.5% in Q3 2026, surpassing pre-pandemic levels
Namibia's tourism accommodation sector recorded an occupancy rate of 66.5% in the third quarter of 2026, according to the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN). The figure exceeds both the equivalent period in 2025 by more than one percentage point and the 2019 pre-pandemic benchmark by approximately two percentage points, pointing to sustained recovery and growth in the country's hospitality sector.
HAN noted that luxury establishments supporting wildlife conservation and community initiatives continued to perform strongly, underscoring the role of responsible tourism in driving occupancy. The figures coincide with a notable decline in rhino poaching, with 43 incidents recorded in 2025 - down from 91 in 2024 - and 24 incidents reported so far in 2026, suggesting that the link between tourism revenue and conservation outcomes is yielding measurable results on the ground.
Source: The Namibian
