Southern African tourism players have expressed concern at Namibia’s proposed restrictive visa regime, warning that it could have serious repercussions for the country’s travel industry and overall economic growth.
Namibia last month approved a proposal that seeks to impose a visa regime on all countries that have not reciprocated the good gesture granted to their nationals by the southern African country.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Council Tourism Alliance said the policy shift threatens to hamper international flights and connectivity.
“A restrictive visa regime can negatively impact the entire tourism value chain. It hinders not only leisure travel but also business travel, conferences, events, education, and trade, thereby limiting overall economic growth and development,” SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance project lead Natalia Rosa said in a statement on Saturday.
She noted that Namibia’s economy heavily relies on tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail sectors, all of which benefit from international visitors.
She said evidence from other African countries, including success stories from Rwanda and Zambia, underscores the positive impact of visa liberalisation on tourism, foreign investment and overall economic growth.
A more open visa policy attracts a diverse range of visitors, including business travellers, investors, and tourists. These visitors contribute significantly to the economy through spending, job creation, and tax revenue.
Rosa said Namibia was going against the grain as other SADC countries are moving toward more liberal visa policies, positioning themselves as attractive destinations.
She urged the Namibian government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders, seeking solutions that balance security concerns with economic growth and regional competitiveness.
