Staff Writer
O&L Leisure has partnered with South African Airways to launch a tourism campaign aimed at strengthening Namibia’s position as a leading African travel destination.
The initiative began with a major webinar attended by more than 100 top travel agents from nine African countries.
The session brought together key Namibian tourism players, including Gondwana Collection, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, the City of Windhoek and national tourism bodies such as the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), TASA, the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) and CARAN.
O&L Leisure marketing general manager Maryke van Lill said the partnership signals a shift in how Namibia approaches tourism growth.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for Namibia’s tourism industry,” she said.
“While Europe has long been our dominant source market, Africa is our most accessible and fastest-growing market. With the African Union targeting 50% intra-African tourism by 2030, Namibia is perfectly positioned to benefit.”
Agents from Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Mauritius, South Africa, the DRC and Botswana were taken through a virtual tour of Namibia’s attractions.
The showcase highlighted desert-adapted elephants, expansive savannahs, pristine coastlines and the country’s hospitality. Presenters emphasised that Namibia offers intimate, uncrowded experiences in a safe and well-connected environment.
Van Lill said the industry is working to make travel to Namibia more affordable for African visitors.
O&L Leisure now offers African rates, and many tourism operators are applying SADC-friendly pricing to attract regional travellers.
The campaign follows strong tourism growth. Namibia recorded 1 257 093 tourist arrivals in 2024, a 45.5% increase from 2023 and a recovery of nearly 79% of pre-COVID numbers.
Neighbouring countries continued to dominate arrivals, with South Africa leading at 38.5% and consistent growth from Angola, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The government has acknowledged the momentum. At the launch of the 2024 Tourist Statistical Report, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indeleni Daniel said work is underway on the National Tourism Spatial Development Master Plan to support a more inclusive and competitive tourism sector.
SAA country manager Wilhelmine Veripi Kandjou announced plans for a large familiarisation trip in early 2026. Selected agents will travel to Namibia on SAA and visit Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Windhoek. They will stay at O&L Leisure, Gondwana and NWR properties.
O&L Leisure is creating long-term support for participating agents through preferential rates, tailored packages, joint marketing and continuous training to help secure Namibia’s place in African travel portfolios.
