Namibia’s tourism industry is poised for a significant technological upgrade following the signing of a strategic partnership between the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and Mobile Telecommunications Ltd (MTC).

The two entities formalised their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the digital transformation of the country’s vibrant tourism sector.

NTB’s Chief Executive Officer, Sebulon Chicalu, expressed strong optimism about the partnership’s potential.

He stated that the collaboration will bolster NTB’s initiatives to enhance service quality, boost operational efficiency, and elevate Namibia’s stature as a premier travel destination.

“The agreement will allow NTB to leverage (make use of) MTC’s technologies such as 5G, eSIM, Wi-Fi hotspots, mobile applications and VR/AR to supplement our efforts and achieve strategic objectives,” Chicalu explained.

He outlined key benefits, including enhancing stakeholder satisfaction, promoting social and economic inclusion, and improving industry service excellence.

A central pillar of the initiative is the enhancement of the Tourism Data Management System. “With better data and insights,” Chicalu said,

“we will equip our system, allowing NTB to efficiently monitor tourist travel trends, manage tourism levies, and enhance overall service delivery.”

For tourists, the partnership promises a more seamless and connected experience. The NTB CEO highlighted that visitors can expect benefits such as seamless connectivity, digital payment options, and smart travel alerts, thereby boosting both satisfaction and safety.

The ultimate goal, he noted, is to “increase our global competitiveness and position Namibia as a digitally prepared tourism destination.”

On behalf of MTC, Managing Director Licky Erastus, affirmed the telecommunications giant’s readiness to support the NTB’s mission.

“We will leverage our robust network infrastructure to support NTB’s mission of promoting Namibia as a top-tier travel destination,” Erastus said.

He described the cooperation as a move to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem for travel.

“We will be enabling every tourist, local explorer, and every hospitality provider to experience Namibia in a way that is seamless, immersive, and digitally empowered.

From smart signage and digital guides to e-SIM-enabled travel packages, we are creating a digital ecosystem that enhances the visitor experience while driving economic growth.”

Erastus concluded by emphasising that the strategic alliance aligns with Namibia’s broader national vision, placing innovation at the heart of the country’s development.

The partnership marks a significant step towards integrating advanced digital solutions into every facet of the Namibian tourism experience, from planning and arrival to the journey itself.