By Kaipaherue Kandjii

In a groundbreaking move set to reshape Namibia’s tourism landscape, the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has announced the official launch of three regional offices, bringing tourism services directly to local communities from 1 September 2025.
The initiative, aptly titled “Taking Tourism to the People,” marks a historic decentralization effort that promises to unlock economic potential in underserved regions across the country.

“This milestone is a proud moment for NTB and the tourism industry in Namibia,” said NTB's manager of corporate communications Flora Quest. 

“We are not just expanding offices; we are expanding access, opportunity, and the visibility of our regions on the tourism map,” said Quest in an interview with Confidente on Monday.
The new offices, located in Rundu, Ongwediva, and Lüderitz, will each serve as vital service centers for designated regions.
The office in Rundu, she emphasized, will serve Kavango East, Kavango West, and Zambezi regions.
This hub is positioned to boost river tourism and open up the northeast tourism corridor. It will also serve as a critical link to the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area. Meanwhile the NTB's Ongwediva office, will primarily focus on the four ‘O’ regions namely; Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati, and Oshana.

Quest says that this office will become a central point for tourism stakeholders and enhance visibility for community-led and cultural tourism ventures.
In the same breath, an office is also due for Lüderitz, which is mainly dedicated to the //Kharas Region, this southern hub aims to spotlight Namibia’s dramatic coastline, mining heritage, and unique geological offerings, opening doors to new tourism niches.
The regional offices will provide a full range of services, including, licensing and compliance guidance, business development support and promotion of local destinations and tourism products.

“This is truly about taking tourism to the people,” Quest reiterated.
“By being closer to the communities we serve, we can better support grassroots tourism projects, stimulate local economies, and connect Namibia’s hidden gems to the global stage," she added.
All three offices will officially open on Monday, 1 September 2025.

In Namibia, the tourism sector contributed 6.9 percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, generating N$14.3 billion, and supported approximately 58,000 direct jobs in 2022/2023
This expansion by NTB is more than a logistical change, it is a strategic vision to ensure that every corner of Namibia has a stake in the tourism economy.

Meanwhile, local football sensation Deon Hotto Kavendji has also teamed up with the NTB in a new partnership that aims to put Namibia firmly on the global tourism map.
Hotto, as the athlete is affectionately known to his legion of fans, plays for Orlando Pirates as a midfielder and as a Brave Warriors stalwart is no stranger to making headlines. From netting two historic goals in the 2015 COSAFA Cup final, securing Namibia’s first-ever international football title, to becoming a fan favorite in South Africa’s top-tier league, Hotto has long been a symbol of Namibian excellence. But now, he is taking on a new challenge, off the field and on a global stage, as Namibia’s official tourism ambassador.

From the Pitch to the People
Through this innovative partnership, Hotto will leverage his global platform to showcase Namibia’s breathtaking attractions, from the towering dunes of Sossusvlei, to the untamed beauty of the Skeleton Coast, and the wildlife spectacle of Etosha National Park.
He will also tell Namibia’s story through personal narratives, immersive social media content, and community-driven tourism events, inviting fans and travelers to experience the heart and soul of the nation.

A cornerstone of the campaign is the involvement of the Deon Hotto Foundation, which has earned widespread acclaim for its youth empowerment initiatives. Now, the foundation joins forces with the NTB to ensure that tourism upliftment goes hand-in-hand with community development.

From sustainable tourism advocacy to education programs, the campaign is rooted in people-first values, aiming to make tourism a force for real and lasting change.

“Deon represents everything we stand for, excellence, resilience, and national pride. His authentic voice and international reach make him the perfect ambassador to tell Namibia’s story to the world.”
The campaign rollout comes at a pivotal moments Namibia’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly post-pandemic, with 2024 seeing a full return to pre-crisis visitor numbers. 

The country is intensifying efforts to court new international markets, especially in America and Asia, while also expanding its marketing and event offerings to attract business travelers.
As part of a larger national strategy, the government is investing in key infrastructure and implementing a Tourism Master Plan to guide future growth in a sustainable, inclusive way.