Namibia’s overall average room occupancy for the third quarter of 2026 reached almost 66.5%. This is 1% higher than last year and 2% higher than the same period in 2019, according to statistics released by the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN).
HAN’s numbers are based on submissions from commercial and well-established accommodation entities in Namibia. Many represent the high-end market.
“The 2026 tourism accommodation figures reveal that, while the overall arrival numbers of travellers to Namibia may be declining, occupancies in the luxury and high-end establishments are stable and even growing,” said HAN in a statement.
“High performance and occupancies are still enjoyed by businesses that invest in and support meaningful conservation and community support initiatives and these high-end, luxury establishments are an important addition to Namibia’s traditionally strong middle market.”
Tented lodges lead
Tented lodges recorded the highest average room occupancy during the quarter at 83.71% (up from 74.12% in the corresponding period last year).
Tented camps also performed strongly with occupancy increasing from 70.02% to 71.72% while conventional lodges remained stable at 65.15%.
Regionally, northern Namibia recorded the highest occupancy at 71.44% (up from 66.46% in the third quarter of 2025).
The coastal region recorded 66.89%, marginally higher than last year's 66.75%, while the central region increased from 62.68% to 63.25%.
The southern region was the only area to record a decline with occupancy falling from 64.66% to 61.04%.
European markets dominate
Germany, Switzerland and Austria collectively accounted for the largest share of recorded bed nights among participating establishments at 34.33%, followed by France at 8.28%, the Benelux countries at 7.64% and Italy at 7.51%.
South African visitors accounted for 5.95% of recorded bed nights compared with 6.93% in the corresponding period last year.
Domestic visitors represented 13.51%, which is marginally higher than the 13.23% recorded in 2025.
Leisure travel dominated the sample, accounting for 96.24% of recorded bed nights, compared with 93.94% in the third quarter of 2025.
Conservation supports tourism
HAN linked the strong performance of high-end establishments to their investment in wildlife conservation and community development, arguing that these initiatives contribute to Namibia’s appeal as a tourism destination.
“Namibia’s conservation story is carried by the whole industry from camp sites to lodges. When travellers choose to experience wildlife here, they keep rhino on the land and people in work,” said Rob Moffett, General Manager: Sales and Marketing at Ongava Game Reserve.
HAN called for stronger public-private collaboration and a coordinated, long-term destination marketing strategy to build on Namibia’s international recognition for conservation.
HAN also urged authorities to consider the impact of policies and regulations relating to access, immigration, aviation, health and security on the country’s tourism competitiveness.
