Travel Advisory: Namibia Police Launch Major Probe into Tourist Scam

Namibia's vibrant tourism sector is currently facing significant challenges due to a rise in booking scams and incidents of theft targeting visitors. This has prompted the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) and the police to issue urgent warnings, urging tourists to exercise extreme caution and diligently verify tour operators to safeguard their travel experiences and uphold the country's reputation.

A notable incident under active investigation involves Italian tourists who allegedly lost approximately N$50,000. This sum was for an 18-day booking, scheduled from 23 October to 9 November, spanning both Namibia and Zimbabwe. The travel itinerary was reportedly prepared by Timnoeshe Adventure Tours and Safaris, a company allegedly registered with the NTB. However, the visitors were left stranded when the service provider failed to deliver the promised services. Disturbingly, tour guide Timan Henguva from Otjiwarongo, associated with the booking, has since been reported missing by his wife.

NTB spokesperson Flora Quest confirmed that although the Italian tourists have not yet formally reported the incident to the board, the regulator is actively investigating the matter. Quest also revealed that the NTB has received nine other reports of incidents involving tourism operators across the country since April. These incidents include accepting payments from clients without delivering promised services and booking accommodation over weekends using fraudulent proof of payment. The NTB collaborates closely with the Tourism Protection Unit, and where misconduct is established, operators are instructed to refund affected clients immediately. Failure to comply can result in written notification and the withdrawal of the operator's registration with the tourism board.

Beyond booking scams, the police reported a concerning trend of theft from parked vehicles targeting tourists. Over a single weekend, items valued at N$89,800 were stolen in two separate incidents: one at Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay and another at Hidas Centre in Klein Windhoek. These occurrences contribute to a broader challenge to international and national tourist safety, with emerging reports of robberies at campsites, establishments, and vehicle break-ins in larger towns and cities across Namibia.

Hans Soltau, chairperson of the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (Tasa), expressed deep concern over these incidents, particularly the booking scam involving the Italian tourists. He noted that while the operator in question is not a Tasa member, its registration with the NTB—the statutory regulator—makes it a critical case. Soltau emphasized that such incidents severely damage Namibia's reputation and erode visitor confidence. He urged tourism authorities to act decisively in cases involving NTB-registered members and international travellers. Tasa maintains a publicly available, verified membership list on its website and consistently encourages visitors to cross-reference operators with both the NTB and recognized industry associations like Tasa before making bookings.

Soltau further cautioned visitors against prioritizing