16/10/2020
Our industry is facing an unprecedented existential crisis that threatens the livelihood of tens of thousands of Namibians. Months of lockdowns, travel restrictions, stay-at-home orders, and other efforts to curb the spread of , have crippled the tourism industry, one of the single most important pillars of the Namibian economy.
Travel agents, tour operators, car rental companies, conservancies, lodges, hotels, restaurants, souvenir dealers, guides, trophy hunters, and many more have faced operational standstills and severe losses of income. Just two years ago, it was estimated that in 2020 tourism will contribute close to 12% to the Namibian GDP, and provide over 120 000 local jobs (over 16% of total employment). The pandemic, however, has shattered all these prospects, wreaking havoc in our lives, leaving thousands unemployed, and confronting us all with a more than uncertain future.
And as the industry is running on its very last reserves, as we inch closer to our financial limits, we ask ourselves: How much longer must we bear this devastating burden?
For some it is the fear of loosing what took decades to build. But for far too many Namibians it is a question of basic survival.
This is a protest, but more so a desperate cry for help.
Even as the first travellers arrive in our beautiful and beloved country, our industry not only faces the losses of the past months, we also know that we are still at the beginning of this crisis, and the road to recovery still lies far away.
The coming months will be crucial for the whole industry, but without the necessary support, it will mean the end for many businesses. Their contribution to the economy, the employment and income these companies provided, the taxes they paid, and the services they bought and rendered - these are the stakes, and they couldn’t be higher.
Together, we are all part of what defines this country, of what makes us Namibian, and every loss is a loss to this collective identity. And with so many sacrifices made, with tens of thousands of livelihoods at risk, and their future being on the line, we all are in dangerous waters, and thus we have to rescue what can be rescued.
