Based on a steady increase in positive cases, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has altered its categorisation of Namibia to a high-risk Covid-19 country, much to the chagrin of the tourism industry and health officials.
Despite the Covid-19 wreckage that gobbled the tourism industry globally, the international tourist arrival trends to Namibia from January to December 2021 indicate regaining 37.81% of the lost market when compared to 2020 figures, and 2022 is showing continued increases in arrivals.
The tourism sector has welcomed Qatar Airways’ decision to resume direct return flights from Doha to Windhoek by July this year. At the moment, the direct (non-stop) flights between Windhoek-Doha have been inactive.
Throughout this turbulent pandemic period, Namibia has been a leader in rapidly, comprehensively, and consistently responding to the changes needed to curb Covid-19.