Browsing by Author "Shikangala, Martha Peneyambeko"

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    An exploration of government financial support towards the sustainability of accommodation facilities during COVID-19 in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2022) Shikangala, Martha Peneyambeko
    This study was conducted to explore government financial support towards the sustainability of accommodation facilities during Covid-19 in Namibia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain measures that the government has put in place to improve cash flows of accommodation facilities, identify challenges towards obtaining suitable financial support for accommodation facilities during the pandemic from the government and to evaluate the factors government takes into account in deciding to support the accommodation sector. The study used an exploratory research design utilising a qualitative research approach for data collection and analysis. Data was gathered from 30 participants (26 B & B and Lodges and 4 officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism). Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide and the data was analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that there was a drastic decrease in both room occupancy and annual turnover for the year ended 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, hence the need for government financial support to sustain the hospitality industry. The results revealed that the available financial support and stimulus packages are not effective for the tourism sector. The available funding programs include government guaranteed loans, facilitated through the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and other commercial banks, and are meant to boost production. However, the B & B and Lodges rely on local and international visitors who may require accommodation, hence these loans cannot do much to boost production but rather leave the owners in more debt. Therefore, this study recommends for the government to provide financial suppo1i suitable for the tourism industry. Also, currently grants are recommended to sustain the industry. The government is also encouraged to promote domestic tourism. It is recommended for the B & B and lodge owners to diversify their businesses in this current environment