Hype.UP Demands Swift Resolution in Payment Dispute with Namibia Tourism Board

Hype.UP Demands Swift Resolution in Payment Dispute with Namibia Tourism Board

Hype.UP Ltd., a Ghanaian tourism and events firm, in a press statement dated February 13, 2025, has called for an urgent resolution to its ongoing contractual dispute with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), warning that continued delays could damage Namibia’s standing as a credible tourism partner in West Africa.

The company, which has played a central role in promoting Namibia to Ghanaian and West African travellers, claims NTB has failed to honour contractual obligations, including outstanding payments amounting to $51,123.92.

Hype.UP Ltd. has been instrumental in positioning Namibia as a destination of choice in the region, spearheading initiatives such as the November in Namibia campaign, which drove increased visitor numbers and trade engagements.

The firm was also involved in marketing Namibia Wildlife Resorts, coordinating Air Namibia’s return to West Africa, and facilitating bilateral trade, including the inaugural shipment of Namibian meat to Ghana.

Yet, despite these contributions, Hype.UP Ltd. alleges that NTB has failed to settle invoices for services rendered under formal agreements. The company also claims that some NTB officials have made misleading allegations, damaging its reputation. Repeated attempts to engage NTB’s leadership have reportedly been met with silence.

Implications for Namibia’s Tourism Sector

The dispute comes at a critical time for Namibia’s tourism sector, which is looking to expand its footprint in high-growth African markets. West Africa represents a significant opportunity for Namibia, with rising disposable incomes and a growing appetite for outbound travel.

Failure to resolve the dispute could deter private-sector partnerships, potentially undermining Namibia’s tourism ambitions in the region.

Hype.UP Ltd. has urged the Namibia High Commission in Ghana to mediate, proposing a structured payment plan, a public statement affirming the company’s contractual compliance, and internal NTB reforms to prevent future disputes.

The company has given NTB seven days to engage in discussions, failing which it will escalate the matter to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat.

For NTB, resolving the dispute could help safeguard its reputation and maintain momentum in West Africa’s growing tourism market.

For Hype.UP Ltd., it is a test of whether African tourism boards can honour private-sector engagements in an increasingly competitive global industry.

Read Details of Statement by Hype.UP

Press Release
For Immediate Release

Hype.UP Ltd. Urges Namibia Tourism Board to Resolve Dispute and Focus on Strengthening Namibia’s Tourism Growth in West Africa

Accra, Ghana – Hype.UP Ltd., a leading Ghanaian tourism and event management company, is calling for a swift and fair resolution to its ongoing dispute with the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB). The company, which has played a key role in promoting Namibia’s tourism sector in Ghana and West Africa, believes that resolving this issue will not only restore business confidence but also help NTB refocus on its core mission—positioning Namibia as a must-visit destination in one of Africa’s fastest-growing travel markets.

A History of Collaboration and Success

Hype.UP Ltd. has been instrumental in promoting Namibia as a top tourism destination in West Africa. Over the years, the company has:

1. Launched and executed the November in Namibia campaign as a strategic initiative to promote trade and deepen people-to-people connections in alignment with AfCFTA’s mission. This established Hype.UP as a pioneer in marketing and selling exclusive commercial travel packages to Namibia for the Ghanaian market. In its first year, the campaign, executed through Namibian travel and tour operators selected via a tender process by the Namibia Tourism Board, not only resulted in an exponential increase in visa applications by Ghanaians at the Namibia High Commission in Ghana, but it also generated and contributed over USD 20,000 to the Namibian economy.
2. Successfully led the coordination and execution of the launch of the first-ever consignment of Namibian meat to Ghana, marking a historic milestone in bilateral trade.
3. Coordinated media and supported the execution of the inauguration of Air Namibia’s successful return to the West African market, ensuring a smooth re-entry and increasing brand visibility.
4. Executed a marketing and promotional event for Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) including producing a thrilling campaign video to drive tourism engagement on their attempt to enter the Ghanaian market.
5. Coordinated networking and business engagement sessions for Namibian tourism stakeholders looking to expand their reach in Ghana.
6. Utilizing the Hype.FLIX Drive-in as an activation platform, we successfully executed a 360-degree marketing campaign for Namibia. This included screening Namibian films on the giant screen and offering attendees samples of Namibian meat, wine, and beverages, creating an immersive cultural experience that brought Namibia closer to the Ghanaian audience.

These efforts have significantly contributed to Namibia’s growing recognition in the Ghanaian and broader West African tourism industry, creating opportunities for increased visitor arrivals and economic growth for Namibia’s tourism sector.

The Dispute with NTB

Despite Hype.UP Ltd.’s contributions, NTB has failed to honour contractual obligations, leading to a prolonged dispute that now threatens to damage Namibia’s reputation as a reliable tourism partner. The key points of contention include:

1. Unpaid invoices totalling $51,123.92 – Despite multiple follow-ups and documented proof of completed work, NTB has failed to settle payments for services rendered under formal agreements.
2. Misleading allegations from NTB officials – Instead of addressing the outstanding debt, certain NTB officials have made unsubstantiated claims that have unfairly impacted Hype.UP Ltd.’s reputation.
3. Failure of NTB’s leadership to engage in resolution efforts – Despite repeated attempts at negotiation, NTB’s board and leadership have stalled discussions, leaving the matter unresolved.

Why a Quick Resolution is in NTB’s Best Interest

This dispute is not just about Hype.UP Ltd.—it is about preserving Namibia’s standing as a credible and trusted partner in global tourism. NTB must act swiftly because:

1. Ongoing disputes harm Namibia’s reputation – Travel operators and investors are watching closely. If NTB is seen as unreliable, it will deter future partnerships and investments.
2. Legal action could escalate the matter further – While Hype.UP Ltd. has exercised restraint in taking legal action, continued delays leave the company with no choice but to seek legal recourse. This would attract unnecessary negative publicity.
3. West Africa remains a key growth market for Namibia – Ghana and its neighbouring countries represent a huge untapped tourism market for Namibia. If NTB fails to resolve this issue, it risks alienating a strategic partner with direct access to this growing market.

Mediation as the Best Path Forward

Hype.UP Ltd. will welcome the intervention of the Namibia High Commission in Ghana to mediate this dispute and find a fair resolution. Mediation will allow both parties to move forward in good faith, avoiding unnecessary conflict and legal proceedings.

To ensure that this process is effective, Hype.UP Ltd. requests that:

1. NTB immediately commits to a structured payment plan to settle all outstanding invoices within 7 days of publication of this release.
2. A public statement is issued by NTB acknowledging that Hype.UP Ltd. fulfilled its contractual obligations, to repair any reputational damage caused by misleading allegations.
3. NTB implements internal reforms to ensure that similar disputes do not occur in future engagements with private sector partners

Hype.UP Ltd.: The Right Partner for Namibia’s Future in West Africa

Beyond resolving this dispute, Hype.UP Ltd. believes that NTB must think strategically about its long-term presence in the West African market. Hype.UP Ltd. remains the ideal partner for NTB and Namibia’s broader tourism sector because:

1. We have a strong market presence in Ghana and West Africa – Our experience in brand positioning and marketing allows us to successfully promote Namibia to West African travellers.
2. We understand consumer travel trends in the region – Our research-driven approach ensures that campaigns are tailored to the preferences of West African travellers, maximizing engagement.
3. We offer a proven track record of execution – Our past successes with Air Namibia, Namibia Wildlife Resorts, and other travel brands speak to our capability and professionalism.

A Call to Action

Hype.UP Ltd. urges NTB’s leadership to engage in the mediation process immediately and commit to a fair resolution. By settling this dispute, NTB can:

1. Protect Namibia’s reputation as a reliable business partner.
2. Avoid unnecessary legal complications that could damage NTB’s credibility.
3. Refocus on expanding Namibia’s tourism appeal in Ghana and the rest of West

Africa.

Hype.UP Ltd. remains committed to finding a fair and professional solution and looks forward to NTB’s engagement within 7 days of this Press publication. However, a failure to engage in a mediation process led by the Namibia High Commission in Ghana will result in an escalation to dispute resolution through the office of the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat without any further recourse to NTB.