O&L Leisure has successfully completed the acquisition of two premier Namibian tourism properties, Le Mirage in the Sossusvlei area and Divava on the scenic Okavango River, with all eligible employees receiving offers of employment as part of the transition.
The acquisition marks a pivotal development in Namibia's tourism sector, which serves as a major source of job creation, particularly in rural areas. The sector currently generates 57,571 direct jobs representing 7.9% of total employment, while supporting over 100,000 Namibians overall, many from rural communities. As the country's fastest-growing economic sector, tourism is projected to generate N$4.6 billion in 2025, underpinned by a 5.5% growth rate and a 7.3% increase in visitor numbers.
The government has set an ambitious target of increasing direct tourism jobs from 57,000 to 80,000 by 2030, as part of the National Spatial Development Master Plan, which aims to decentralise tourism flows and promote development across all 14 regions of Namibia. O&L Leisure's commitment to job retention directly supports this national strategy, addressing employment challenges in remote regions where alternative opportunities remain limited. At the same time the company is contributing to the transformational economic and social empowerment goals which emphasise support for small and medium-sized businesses, communal conservancies and rural tourism enterprises that provide crucial opportunities for women and local communities.
"We are incredibly excited about welcoming our new team members to the O&L family," shared Sven Thieme, Managing Director of O&L Leisure and Executive Chairman of the O&L Group. "This acquisition complements our offering of showcasing Namibia through our eyes with the addition of the Okavango Popa Falls as well as the Sossusvlei environment. The handover was extremely smooth with the on-boarding of the people and each one was welcomed individually to our family. We look forward to an exciting future and the exceptional experiences we can offer our guests from around the world as they discover Namibia's unique beauty.”
Sven added that the human element of this story should not be understated. "In remote locations like Sossusvlei and the Okavango River, where alternative employment opportunities are scarce, O&L Leisure's commitment to job retention transforms what could have been an uncertain transition into a celebration of continuity and growth, while strengthening our commitment to Authentic, Caring and Passionate hospitality."
Both properties will maintain their current leadership structures, with Karel Urjon continuing as General Manager at Divava and William Danster remaining at Le Mirage, where he has successfully managed operations for several years. All employees were assessed based on their current roles and offered positions aligned with their knowledge and experience.
Employees at both properties have responded positively to the acquisition news, expressing excitement about growth opportunities and pride in joining a proudly Namibian-owned company. The transition prioritises zero to minimal job losses, with additional employment opportunities to be considered following finalisation of strategic goals for both properties.
About O&L Leisure
Proudly owned by the Ohlthaver & List Group, with its foundations firmly rooted in Namibia, O&L Leisure offers an authentic and heartfelt hospitality experience. At the core of our company is a genuine love for Namibia, which shines through in every guest interaction, turning each stay into a truly memorable journey.
"Namibia Through Our Eyes" is O&L Leisure’s slogan and the guiding philosophy of the brand. It is our commitment to showing the world the true essence of Namibia through our lens of being authentic, caring and passionate. We are guided by our unwavering commitment to the O&L Persona and its key characteristics of being Authentic, Caring and Passionate.
