Windhoek: The Namibian Competition Commission (NaCC) has assured stakeholders in the tourism sector that its ongoing investigation into alleged exclusive dealing arrangements between conservancies and private tourism operators will not disrupt tourism operations.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the commission stated that the investigation is part of its statutory mandate to enforce the Competition Act, Act No. 2 of 2003, and to promote fair participation in the market. The NaCC emphasized that the tourism sector's contribution to Namibia's economy, through employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, community development, and conservation, is recognized and valued.
In a statement released on Thursday, the commission affirmed its commitment to carrying out its mandate in a manner that supports the tourism sector's stability, growth, and competitiveness. The NaCC is actively engaging with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) to address concerns arising from the investigation and to harmonize the legal frameworks governing the tourism sector. The focus is on ensuring that environmental conservation, economic empowerment, investment promotion, and competition policy are advanced coherently and complement one another.
The commission highlighted that its role extends beyond imposing penalties, aiming to foster an environment where industries can operate, innovate, and contribute to national development while adhering to applicable laws. Competition law is designed to protect market opportunities, expand consumer choice, encourage innovation, and prevent conduct that could unduly restrict or distort competition.
NaCC acknowledged that certain contractual arrangements might provide investment certainty or advance other policy objectives but stressed the importance of ensuring these arrangements align with fair competition and inclusive economic participation. The collaboration between the commission and MEFT aims to establish a regulatory landscape for the tourism sector in conservancies and national parks that is aligned, predictable, and supportive of Namibia's development priorities. The objective is to balance conservation, investment, community benefits, and competitive markets.