N$85 Million Hotel Development Boosts Local Employment and Business Opportunities

Construction has commenced on The Bohlen, an N$85 million five-star boutique hotel development in Swakopmund, with the project expected to create employment opportunities and support local businesses through increased procurement from Namibian contractors and suppliers.

Tourism and conservation operator ultimate.earth, which is behind the development, expects at least 85% of the investment to be spent locally, translating to approximately N$72.25 million based on the project's total value.

Ultimate.earth managing director Tristan Cowley said all 200 construction jobs associated with the project would be filled by Namibians.

Speaking to Business Pulse 360°, Cowley said all 200 jobs would be filled locally.

The development is also expected to create approximately 50 permanent positions once the hotel becomes operational, with the company committing to prioritising local recruitment.

"Absolutely," Cowley said when asked whether local candidates would be prioritised for the permanent positions.

Beyond employment creation, the project is expected to introduce specialised hospitality skills development as the hotel prepares to open.

Cowley said skills development would not take place during the construction phase because of the short timeframe. However, the company plans to provide in-house training for permanent employees ahead of the hotel's opening.

The training will cover various hospitality occupations, ranging from housekeeping to specialised positions such as butlers, sommeliers, chefs, assistant managers and bartenders.

"The Bohlen will be the first truly high end luxury boutique hotel in Namibia, which will require many skills sets previously not available in Swakopmund, and many of these will be developed in-house through the ultimate.earth training system," Cowley said.

The hotel will target high-end international travellers, particularly from the United States, Europe and Australia.

Cowley said the development aims to attract a different category of visitor to Swakopmund, arguing that the town currently does not cater sufficiently for the level of luxury tourism the company hopes to attract.

He said the new offering would complement existing tourism activities while bringing additional visitors and spending opportunities to the coastal town.

The development will feature 14 suites, a restaurant, brasserie, spa and gym, expanding Swakopmund's high-end accommodation and hospitality offering.

The hotel is expected to open in the fourth quarter of 2027.