Namibia tourism board, TASA and police urge operator checks after booking scam reported

The Namibian has reported that the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA) and the national police have issued a warning to visitors after an alleged N\$50 000 booking scam involving Italian tourists. The incident, which left travellers stranded after booking an 18-day trip with a company allegedly registered with the NTB, highlights the need for operator verification before making payments. The NTB is said to be investigating, and the police have urged victims to report such cases formally.

This warning affects a wide range of travellers, including leisure visitors, groups, and international clients booking tours in Namibia and neighbouring countries. The recent scam, along with reports of theft from tourists in Walvis Bay and Windhoek, raises concerns about traveller safety and trust. The trade should note that not all registered operators are TASA members, and that industry associations maintain their own verification standards.

For sellers, the practical impact is clear: always verify operator credentials before confirming bookings or accepting payments. TASA provides a public membership directory at tasa.na/members/, where agencies can check if a company is an active member. The association also outlines its Code of Conduct and offers a complaints form for reporting concerns. Sellers should advise clients to use only verified business accounts and to avoid deals that seem suspiciously cheap or are promoted only on social media.

Connectivity from African hubs remains strong, but these incidents may affect confidence in Namibia as a destination. Other African countries have faced similar scams, but Namibia’s industry bodies stress the importance of professionalism and prompt action to protect the sector’s reputation. Official tourism statistics and regulatory details could not be confirmed in this session, but the trade should expect further updates as investigations continue and as authorities clarify enforcement measures.

While the NTB and TASA have procedures for investigating and sanctioning operators, open questions remain about the speed of enforcement and the impact on visitor numbers. The trade should monitor for official statements and encourage clients to report any suspicious activity. These developments may shape how operator verification and client protection are handled in Namibia and across the region in the future.

Sources: background: TASA, membership directory, November 2026; TASA, Code of Conduct, November 2026;