Staff Reporter
The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has reassured tourism-sector stakeholders and the public that its ongoing investigation into certain exclusive arrangements between conservancies and private tourism operators is not intended to hamper, disrupt or undermine the operations of the tourism sector.
Dina //Gowases, spokesperson of the NaCC, said that the investigation into alleged exclusive-dealing arrangements in these conservancies forms part of the Commission’s statutory mandate to enforce Namibia’s competition laws and promote fair participation in the market, as mandated by the Competition Act No. 2 of 2003 (the Competition Act).
“The Commission will carry out this mandate in a manner that recognises the tourism sector’s vital contribution to Namibia’s economy and supports its continued stability, growth and competitiveness. Tourism is one of Namibia’s key economic growth pillars, contributing to employment, foreign-exchange earnings, community development, conservation and broader socio-economic progress. The Commission is therefore committed to ensuring that any regulatory intervention supports the sector’s long-term sustainability and competitiveness,” //Gowases said.
She added that the Commission is engaged in constructive discussions with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to identify an amicable and practical response to concerns arising from the investigation.
The discussions focus on harmonising the legal frameworks governing the tourism sector so that environmental conservation, economic empowerment, investment promotion and competition policy are advanced coherently and in a complementary manner.
//Gowases further clarified that the Commission’s role is not limited to imposing penalties.
“Its broader objective is to foster an environment in which industries can thrive, innovate and contribute meaningfully to national development while complying with the laws that govern business conduct. Competition law safeguards market opportunities, expands consumer choice, encourages innovation and prevents practices that may unduly lessen, distort or restrict competition. Although certain contractual arrangements may promote investment certainty or other policy objectives, they must remain consistent with fair competition and inclusive economic participation,” //Gowases said.
Through continued dialogue, the Commission and MEFT are working towards a regulatory landscape for the tourism sector in conservancies and national parks and 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.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: File
