The Namibian tourism industry is confident that the fourth President, Dr Nangolo Mbumba – who took the reins after Dr Hage Gottfried Geingob passed away on February 4 – will provide a smooth transition of leadership and be as supportive of the tourism industry as his predecessor.

“Dr Mbumba has worked alongside his predecessor and is as committed to uphold the image of Namibia as a safe, progressive and open country,” said Gitta Paetzold, CEO of the Hospitality Association of Namibia.

She pointed out that Mbumba’s legacy already included his skill and commitment to ensure full unification of the Walvis Bay enclave to independent Namibia a few years after independence in 1994 – a transition that he steered with calm, stability and professionalism as Chief Negotiator for Namibia.

“And today, 20 years later, Dr Mbumba once again fulfils his role with charisma, professionalism and commitment. His leadership and the smooth transition of leadership again make Namibia a shining example of ‘Africa that works’ and, as such, makes us a desirable destination, an image that is most valuable for the promotion of tourism and international relations in general,” said Paetzold.

CEO of Gondwana Collection, Gys Joubert, agreed. “Tourism, like business in general, needs predictability, stability and security. As the chief architect of the Namibian constitution Dr Geingob’s most powerful legacy will probably be how seamless and orderly the transfer of power happened with his sad and unforeseen passing.

“As an example to other countries in the world, in Africa and beyond, this is what happens when politicians put their countries first and themselves last. His legacy will last as long as our constitution does. His legacy will last as long as this Nation does.”

Joubert noted that the new president had already provided exactly the same predictability, stability and security in terms of his role and the temporary nature of it.  “All is well with Namibia and her future.”

Geingob’s legacy

Paetzold told Tourism Update that Geingob’s legacy would be written in history books as a pioneer for independent Namibia, the key crafter of Namibia's Constitution – which is still regarded internationally as one of the best – and as a key negotiator for Namibia to emerge as a shining example of how a small African nation can reach the heights and recognition from many first-world countries across the globe. 

“While Dr Geingob, in his 34 years of serving independent Namibia from Prime Minister at Independence in 1990, never held portfolios directly linked to tourism or the environment, his general leadership, openness and intense international networking contributed to this southern African country being put on the map as a travel destination of choice, known as a country with great infrastructure and stability,” said Paetzold.

She highlighted the late president’s proactive approach during the COVID pandemic, which allowed Namibia to work towards a relatively quick recovery, as he and his team carefully weighed the balance between protecting lives and livelihoods.

“These measures enabled the hospitality sector to reopen – albeit restrictively and for domestic travel only two months after the global shut-down in March 2020 – and the reopening of Namibian borders to international travel, again under carefully designed controls and monitoring, in September 2020.”

He would constantly reach out to the private sector for their input on governance and policies. And his establishment of the public/private High-Level Panel in 2019 led to the founding of Namibia's Investment Promotion and Development Board in 2021.

“This helped strengthen Namibia's image and attractiveness as a destination, both in terms of its brand as destination of choice, but also in terms of investment and economic growth opportunities, as well as aiming to become the ‘green energy centre’ of the world. 

“This has further amplified Namibia's visibility as a country, and thus strengthens our image as desirable tourism destination,” said Paetzold.

‘Champion of tourism’

Joubert said: “Our late President Geingob, a visionary leader and champion of Namibia's tourism industry, played a pivotal role in fostering growth, sustainability, and global recognition for the country's rich natural and cultural heritage. He recognised tourism's potential as a driver of economic development and a means to showcase Namibia's landscapes, wildlife, and cultures to the world.

He said Geingob’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices had ensured balanced development alongside environmental preservation, safeguarding Namibia's wilderness for future generations.

“His administration implemented policies promoting responsible tourism, community involvement, and wildlife conservation, fostering a harmonious relationship between tourism and the environment.”