Namibia advances cruise tourism

The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) recently led Namibia’s national delegation to Seatrade Cruise Global 2026, held in Miami, as part of ongoing efforts to position the country as a competitive and sustainable global cruise destination.

As the coordinating body of the delegation, NTB spearheaded strategic engagements with international cruise industry leaders, promoted Namibia’s tourism offerings, and facilitated high-level meetings aimed at expanding opportunities for the country’s tourism and maritime sectors. Building on momentum from previous participation, NTB used the platform to strengthen Namibia’s visibility within the global cruise market, with particular emphasis on the Ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitzbucht as emerging cruise destinations offering unique visitor experiences and strong sustainability credentials.

Speaking at the event, NTB Chief Executive Officer,Sebulon Chicalu, said Seatrade Cruise Global provided an important opportunity to showcase Namibia’s tourism potential and reinforce relationships with global operators. “Seatrade Cruise Global provided NTB with a strategic platform to showcase Namibia’s tourism potential and strengthen relationships with global cruise operators. Our role was to ensure that Namibia was positioned competitively, while promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism growth,” he said.

Throughout the event, the Namibian delegation engaged with major international cruise operators, including TUI Cruises, Azamara Cruises, and Marella Cruises. These discussions formed part of broader efforts to increase Namibia’s inclusion on global cruise itineraries. NTB also facilitated a range of one-on-one business meetings, networking sessions, and industry engagements for Namibian stakeholders, creating opportunities for partnership development and enhanced market exposure.

According to NTB’s spokesperson, Flora Quest, it worked closely with national partners such as NAMPORT, the home affairs and immigration ministry, the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Walvis Bay Municipality, Lüderitz Waterfront, and private tourism industry representatives to ensure a coordinated and impactful national presence. Quest said that a notable development highlighted during the event was NAMPORT’s recent membership in the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), which was described as a significant milestone for Namibia’s cruise sector.

The affiliation is expected to strengthen Namibia’s credibility within the global cruise industry and open further avenues for collaboration with leading cruise lines. She said that through its participation, NTB aimed to enhance Namibia’s positioning as a sustainable cruise destination, strengthen partnerships with international stakeholders, promote investment in tourism and port infrastructure, and support the development of cruise itineraries featuring Namibia.

Seatrade Cruise Global remains one of the most influential platforms in the international cruise industry, and Namibia’s participation underscored its commitment to growing tourism, expanding global partnerships, and strengthening its presence in the cruise market.