Competition Commission eases tourism fears
The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) has said its investigation into alleged exclusive arrangements between conservancies and private tourism operators will not disrupt or undermine tourism-sector operations.
The investigation forms part of the commission's statutory mandate under the Competition Act No. 2 of 2003 to enforce competition law and promote fair participation in the market.
The commission said it recognised tourism's contribution to Namibia's economy through employment, foreign-exchange earnings, conservation, community development and wider socio-economic development.
It said any regulatory intervention would be carried out in a way that supported the sector's long-term sustainability, growth and competitiveness.
Discussions with MEFT
The commission said it was in discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to find a practical response to concerns arising from the investigation.
The discussions are focused on aligning the legal frameworks governing the tourism sector so that environmental conservation, economic empowerment, investment promotion and competition policy can be advanced in a coherent and complementary manner.
The commission said its role extended beyond imposing penalties and included fostering an environment in which industries could operate, innovate and contribute to national development while complying with competition law.
Competition law protects market opportunities, expands consumer choice, encourages innovation and seeks to prevent practices that could unduly lessen, distort or restrict competition.
The commission acknowledged that some contractual arrangements could promote investment certainty or support other policy objectives, but said they must remain consistent with fair competition and inclusive economic participation.
Regulatory framework
The commission and MEFT are working towards a regulatory framework for tourism activities in conservancies and national parks, as well as related business arrangements, that is aligned, predictable and supportive of Namibia's development priorities.
The aim is to balance conservation, investment, community benefits and competitive markets, the commission said.
It said it remained committed to working with the government, tourism operators, communities and other affected stakeholders to support a resilient and sustainable tourism sector.
Further updates would be issued when appropriate, the commission said, adding that it was confident the ongoing engagements would strengthen legal certainty and regulatory coherence while supporting the sector's long-term prosperity.
