Strong growth in luxury travel – also in Namibia

Private tours customised to your own interests with a personal guide. Far away from the crowds. Relaxation from hectic everyday life. Intensive experience of nature. A touch of adventure. Getting to know other cultures. All this is part of the luxury of travelling in the upscale segment.

According to the latest studies on market research in tourism, luxury travel is a worldwide trend. The global market in the upscale travel segment is expected to grow at a cumulative annual rate of 7.9 per cent until 2030 (see GrandViewResearch website). In 2023, the market volume was estimated at 1.38 trillion US dollars.

The trend can also be felt in Namibia. Providers of individual upscale tours have reported strong growth since Corona times. The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) is also focussing on the high-income target group when promoting the land of endless horizons – as was recently the case at the 'UNIQUE Travel Trade Show' for luxury destinations on Mallorca.

New upmarket accommodation in Namibia

Recently, more and more accommodation in the luxury segment has appeared on the Namibian travel map. A good example is provided by the tourism group Gondwana Collection. It is in the process of expanding its 'Secret Collection' of exclusive accommodation.

Gondwana is currently building exclusive 'refuges' for two people at its locations in Etosha National Park and the Kalahari (see Gondwana report). They are scheduled to be ready for guests on 1 December 2024.

The 'Ekipa Etosha Pod' owes its name to the handmade jewellery button made by the Aawambo women, which symbolises wealth and tradition. It is situated at the Etosha Safari Lodge, 10 kilometres from the Andersson Gate to the Etosha National Park.

The 'Reverie Kalahari Pod' is the 'refuge' in the Gondwana Kalahari Park. Set amidst red Kalahari dunes, it has a private pool and a private waterhole that attracts game.

With these two 'pods', Gondwana now offers a complete Namibia round trip in the luxury segment. The stops: Windhoek (The Weinberg Urban Pod), Kalahari (Reverie Kalahari Pod), Namib desert / Sossusvlei (Desert Whisper), Swakopmund (The Pearls), Etosha National Park (Ekipa Etosha Pod) and Zambezi Region (Namushasha River Villa).

Sven-Eric Stender