Qatar Airways returns to Namibia in July

Qatar Airways will resume its service to Windhoek from 25 June as part of its largest-ever African schedule, according to the airline. With more than 200 weekly flights to 31 gateways across Africa following this launch, the Windhoek route will offer seamless connectivity for passengers to almost 150 destinations in the airline’s extensive global network, which includes Europe, the UK and India. Qatar Airways will operate three weekly non-stop flights to and from Windhoek via Hamad International Airport.

Eurowings Discover has increased flights to Windhoek

The Namibian capital has become the most frequently served destination in the flight schedule of the Lufthansa Group leisure carrier Eurowings Discover. From the end of March the airline increased its flight frequency from five to seven weekly flights between Frankfurt, Germany, and Windhoek, operated as year-round service. This will be further expanded to a total of ten weekly flights during the northern hemisphere peak summer season from 2 July to 11  September 2022. While the regular flights depart daily in the early evening, the three additional flights during the northern summer are scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing early in the morning.

HAN hosts Tourism Trade Forum and AGM in June

The Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN) is hosting the HAN Tourism Trade Forum (HTTF) and its AGM on 2 and 3 June in Windhoek. HTTF aims at providing a platform for HAN members and other service providers to network and engage with invited tour operators, agents and other key partners in the travel trade. The two-day exchange of views and ideas on a business-to-business format is intended to help reconnect tourism stakeholders face-to-face after two long pandemic years. The HTTF offers a convenient platform for the Namibian travel industry to discuss issues of interest and concern, such as rates, policies, coordination in product development and marketing.

An important point to be discussed at the HAN AGM on the morning of 2 June, will be the celebration of the organisation’s upcoming 25th anniversary. Since its formation in 1987 by an initial 16 members, HAN  has increased to approximately 400 members, representing the full spectrum of the hospitality industry, from hotels to guest houses, guest farms, lodges, rest camps, restaurants, conference centres and catering services. Associate membership is held by suppliers to the sector as well as tourism publishers and marketing companies.

Digital vaccination certificates rolled out

The Namibian government announced in April that the Trusted Vaccines platform is now available to generate COVID-19 Digital Vaccination Certificates for persons who are fully vaccinated. Secure, tamper-proof and digitally verifiable COVID-19 laboratory test results and vaccine certificates can be issued through the Trusted Travel and Trusted Vaccines technology platforms. This facilitates smoother and hassle-free travel.

FlyNamibia launches scheduled safari route

In mid-April, FlyNambia introduced FlyNamibia Safari, a scheduled local route.. Operated from  Hosea Kutako International Airport, this special service for tourists provides an easy connection to Namibia’s most iconic travel destinations: Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and Etosha, with an optional stopover in Twyfelfontein. The safari service significantly reduces travel time to the far flung destinations, giving travellers more time to truly discover, enjoy and absorb the wonders of this vast country – for a fraction of the price of a self-drive.