Namibia's special visa for business conferences and events has brought in over one point five million Namibian dollars since June. The Namibia Convention Bureau manager, Esther Ndilula, said nearly a thousand of these visas have been issued for international delegates. She spoke at the bureau's soft launch in Windhoek.
The bureau, part of the national investment board, has supported twenty-two events across sectors like energy, mining, and digital business. Ndilula explained that the visa mainly helps attendees from countries that normally need visas, including speakers and media. This business tourism segment benefits local providers of hotels, transport, and catering.
Plans are in motion to better track the economic impact of these events through improved data collection. The bureau also joined a major global association for conventions, which should help Namibia bid for more international meetings. The simplified visa process is considered a key incentive when competing to host these gatherings.
The bureau, part of the national investment board, has supported twenty-two events across sectors like energy, mining, and digital business. Ndilula explained that the visa mainly helps attendees from countries that normally need visas, including speakers and media. This business tourism segment benefits local providers of hotels, transport, and catering.
Plans are in motion to better track the economic impact of these events through improved data collection. The bureau also joined a major global association for conventions, which should help Namibia bid for more international meetings. The simplified visa process is considered a key incentive when competing to host these gatherings.
