Tourism Demand Moves Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
Namibia’s accommodation sector recorded 65.92% occupancy during the third quarter of 2025, exceeding both the comparable 2024 period and the pre-pandemic 2019 benchmark.
SOURCE SIGNAL
Namibia’s accommodation sector recorded an average occupancy rate of 65.92% during the third quarter of 2025, exceeding both the comparable period in 2024 and the pre-pandemic benchmark recorded in 2019.
The corresponding occupancy rate was 63.15% in Q3 2024 and 64.74% in Q3 2019.
September was particularly strong, with occupancy reaching 69.72%, compared with 62.82% in September 2024 and 67.98% during September 2019.
The results provide measurable evidence that accommodation demand during the quarter had moved beyond both the previous year and the pre-Covid benchmark.
COUNTRY IMPACT
Tourism is an important contributor to Namibia’s economy, supporting accommodation, transport, restaurants, tour operators, vehicle rental, retail and a wide range of supporting businesses.
Performance above the 2019 benchmark is particularly significant because it indicates more than a recovery from the disruption of the pandemic.
During the third quarter of 2025, participating accommodation establishments were operating at occupancy levels above those achieved before Covid-19.
International visitors remain important to the sector, making aviation capacity and direct international connectivity important components of Namibia’s tourism proposition.
Strong accommodation demand therefore has implications across a broader economic ecosystem, supporting employment and commercial activity while increasing demand for the infrastructure and services used by visitors moving through Namibia.
RELEVANCE TO SUNGATE
Tourism growth has direct relevance to Sungate because Hosea Kutako International Airport is Namibia’s principal international aviation gateway and Sungate is positioned immediately adjacent to it.
A significant proportion of international visitors arriving by air begin and end their Namibian journeys at HKIA.
Growing tourism activity therefore supports demand extending beyond accommodation at traditional tourism destinations. It creates requirements for airport-related hospitality, vehicle rental, transport services, food and beverage, retail, business services and other supporting activities around the visitor journey.
Sungate’s mixed-use development concept is capable of accommodating several of these uses.
The Q3 occupancy results therefore provide evidence of the demand side of the tourism economy: Namibia is not only expanding international air connectivity, but accommodation establishments were also recording visitor demand above pre-pandemic levels during the quarter.
For an airport-adjacent development, the combination of stronger tourism demand and expanding international connectivity strengthens the long-term potential for hospitality and tourism-supporting commercial activity.
SOURCE
Tourismus Namibia. “Namibia’s tourism sector hails continued growth.” 22 October 2025.