Namibia's tourism regulator and the police are investigating an alleged booking scam that left a group of Italian tourists out of pocket by roughly N$50,000, weeks before the start of the country's peak travel season. The case, first reported by The Namibian on 29 October 2026, has prompted a joint call for visitors to verify operators before paying for trips.
The travellers booked an 18-day itinerary across Namibia and Zimbabwe scheduled to run from 23 October to 9 November. The package was arranged by Timnoeshe Adventure Tours and Safaris, a company registered with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), but the tourists were reportedly left stranded when the service provider failed to deliver.
What happened in the Italian tourists' case
According to The Namibian, tour guide Timan Henguva from Otjiwarongo has been reported missing by his wife. The newspaper sent questions to Timnoeshe Adventure Tours and Safaris, which had not responded by the time of publication.
NTB spokesperson Flora Quest said the tourists have not formally reported the incident to the board, but that the regulator is actively investigating.
We will investigate the matter by finding the Italians to give us proof of bookings and payments. So far nothing has been reported to NTB in connection with the case.
Quest said the NTB works closely with the Tourism Protection Unit and that where investigations establish misconduct involving payments for undelivered services, operators are instructed in writing to refund affected clients immediately. Failure to comply results in written notification and the withdrawal of the operator's registration.
A wider pattern of tourism fraud
The Italian case is not isolated. Quest said the NTB has received nine reports of incidents involving tourism operators across the country since April, including operators accepting payments without delivering promised services and booking accommodation using fraudulent proof of payment.
Police also reported that items valued at N$89,800 were stolen from parked vehicles in two separate incidents involving tourists over the weekend, one at Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay and another at Hidas Centre in Klein Windhoek.
Namibia is not alone in facing this problem. The Hospitality Association of Namibia's chief executive, Gitta Paezoldt, said the abuse of travellers' trust is not unique to the country, as online platforms make it easy to attract clients with low rates and advance payments. Similar schemes have surfaced internationally: Spain's Basque police force recorded 98 complaints linked to hotel booking scams between April and September 2026, according to Travel And Tour World, while travel scams targeting tourists increasingly exploit fake credentials and pressure tactics, as Booboone reported.
Industry calls for decisive action
Hans Soltau, chairperson of the Tour and Safari Association of Namibia (Tasa), said the operator involved is not a Tasa member but is registered with the NTB, the statutory regulator for every tourism-related enterprise. He said similar incidents have been reported before and urged tourism authorities to act decisively.
We urgently require our tourism authorities to act decisively in such cases that directly involve an NTB-registered member and international travellers, as these incidents surely affect Namibia's reputation and visitor confidence.
Soltau said tourist safety is increasingly challenged as reports emerge of robberies at campsites and vehicle break-ins in larger towns and cities. He added that for legal action to proceed against fraudulent operators, a criminal case must be formally registered with the police.
He also warned that social media platforms are an easy space for scammers and urged visitors not to rely solely on Facebook recommendations without local verification. Tasa maintains a publicly available verified membership list on its website.
How tourists can protect themselves
National police spokesperson deputy commissioner Kauna Shikwambi encouraged the alleged victims to open a case immediately. She advised tourists to verify tour operators through official registration channels, confirm bookings directly with companies using verified contact details, and engage their embassies or consulates for guidance.
Quest echoed the message, telling visitors to confirm payment instructions through independently obtained contact details and report suspicious activity promptly.
Protecting visitor trust remains central to safeguarding Namibia's tourism industry and the livelihoods it supports.
Quest said it would be premature to conclude that these incidents are deterring visitors from travelling to Namibia, noting that the vast majority of operators follow the rules and that the sector remains committed to professionalism and responsible conduct.
FAQ
How much did the Italian tourists allegedly lose in the Namibia booking scam?
The Italian tourists allegedly lost about N$50,000 for an 18-day trip booked through Timnoeshe Adventure Tours and Safaris, a company registered with the Namibia Tourism Board.
How can tourists verify a tour operator in Namibia?
Tourists can verify operators through the Namibia Tourism Board, check Tasa's verified membership list, confirm bookings using independently obtained contact details, and pay only into verified business accounts.
What happens to Namibian tourism operators found guilty of fraud?
The NTB instructs operators in writing to refund affected clients immediately, and non-compliance leads to written notification and withdrawal of the operator's registration with the tourism board.