Namibia targets Turkey, cements ties in France

"In Istanbul new opportunities for Namibia's tourism sector are taking shape." This is how Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) Director Europe, UK & CIS, Matthias Lemcke, summed up his visit to the trade fair.

He attended the Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF), that took place on September 24 and 25, 2026. There, he met with key players in Turkish outbound tourism, Lemcke posted on his LinkedIn page. "It became very clear: Istanbul holds significant potential as a source market for Southern Africa – and particularly for Namibia."

Air connectivity is always a crucial factor when it comes to new markets, Lemcke emphasised. Turkish Airlines operates routes to Southern Africa. Thanks to connecting flights with South African Airways or Airlink, Namibia is therefore easily accessible for discerning Turkish travellers.

Concrete plans and steps drafted by the NTB have already been agreed upon during the meetings. The goal is to position Namibia in the Turkish market – specifically within the trade and media sectors – through smart partnerships. "[W]e are getting started this year already", Lemcke announced.

Pleased with successful discussions at the Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF): NTB Director Europe, UK & CIS, Matthias Lemcke, and the Honorary Consul for Namibia in Istanbul, Gunnur Diker. Photo: Post on Matthias Lemcke's LinkedIn page.

This fuels rumors about Turkish Airlines' plans for direct flights to Windhoek. These have been discussed already three years ago (see the Namibian.org report from December 2023). Istanbul was also a stop on an NTB roadshow through Europe two years ago (see the Namibian.org report from September 2024).

Partnerships strengthened at Paris trade fair

A week before the ITF, Namibia was represented with a stand at the IFTM (International & French Travel Market) Top Resa. The trade fair ('B2B') took place in Paris from 15 to 17 September 2026.

Lemcke's assessment there was also very positive (see LinkedIn post). "IFTM Paris once again proved to be the key B2B platform for the French travel industry." It offered "an excellent opportunity for Namibia to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen partnerships."

There were a "great number of productive meetings with French Tour Operators, Media as well as Lufthansa Group, Air France and Condor Airlines". On the eve of the trade fair, the NTB and the Namibian Embassy in France hosted a 'Namibia Sundowner' reception.

In late November 2026, the NTB will visit Paris again as part of its 'MeetNamibia' roadshow (see the NTB website). The other stops are Milan, Copenhagen, and Warsaw. Istanbul will not be visited on this occasion.

Logos of the Istanbul Tourism Fair (ITF) and the IFTM (International & French Travel Market) Top Resa in Paris.  Sources: IstanbulTurizmFuari.com.tr and IFTM.fr.