Windhoek, Feb. 17, 2021 – Namibia’s tourism industry lost about US$ 220 million (about 3.2 billion Namibian dollars) from travel-related service as a result of COVID-19, Bank of Namibia governor Johannes Gawaxab said on Wednesday.
According to Gawaxab, the lack of activity due to the restriction of people’s movements and the compulsory closure of leisure and catering facilities due to the dangers of traveling had a devastating effect on the industry.
Tourism is one of the main contributors to the country’s economy.
“A study carried out by the sector which is yet to be released showed devastating results.
“About 70 per cent of businesses in the sector recorded bookings below 10 per cent of normal bookings,” Gawaxab said.
He said, pre-COVID-19, Namibia received more than 40,000 tourists a month but between September and December 2019, the country only received about 6,700 tourists. (Xinhua/NAN)
