Staff Reporter
TWO Namibian tour companies, namely Walvis Bay Tours cc and Oshili Namibia Travel and Tours, have lost a court battle in which they sought to overturn a decision by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism to initiate a tender process for the private management of the Sandwich Harbour concession area.
Sandwich Harbour is known for its pristine, breathtaking views, serving as a one-of-a-kind tourism destination where the desert and ocean merge. Located 80 kilometres south of Walvis Bay, the harbour is affordable and accessible, mainly because of tour operators’ unlimited access to the reserve’s tour drive excursions—allowing operators to maximise trade and diversify tourism products.
Walvis Bay Tours cc, in a founding affidavit, said that it has invested more than N$1 million annually, which includes funds spent on salaries for more than 30 employees, the acquisition of 50 vehicles, fuel, camping equipment, and more.
The company, however, was aggrieved by a decision taken by the Environment Ministry, which on 7 July 2024 announced that it had awarded a concession to Sandwich Dune Tours and Car Rentals cc to manage Sandwich Harbour.
The tour operators criticised the government’s decision to hand over management of the area to a private company, arguing that the concession gave Sandwich Dune Tours and Car Rentals cc powers to unilaterally regulate entry into the harbour as if they were the regulatory authority. They added that the Environment Minister had abdicated his powers to regulate entry into the parks by handing these powers over to a tour company, thereby giving it wide, unfettered discretionary powers.
The companies argued that they would be subject to regulations set by another tour company, which is open to abuse, considering that Sandwich Dune Tours and Car Rentals cc is also a competitor in the tour operators’ industry and could possibly refuse applicants lucrative travel routes at its whim and discretion.
In a court order, High Court Judge Shafimana Ueitele dismissed the application, with reasons for the decision yet to be provided on public platforms.
SANDWICH HARBOUR: Namibian tour operators lose battle to keep Sandwich Harbour out of private management. Photo: Contributed
