Etosha tour operators demand fair park access

Auleria Wakudumo

A group of legally registered Namibian tour operators and professional guides has accused the management of Etosha National Park of unfairly restricting their operations, saying the limitations have cost them business, reduced employment opportunities and affected small tourism enterprises.

In a media statement issued last week, the operators said they have been unable for more than two years to enter the national park with empty vehicles to pick up, drop off or transit to visitors who had already booked their guiding services.

The operators said the restrictions have resulted in the loss of confirmed bookings, reduced income and fewer employment opportunities for local tour guides.