An Integrated Collaborative Framework for Equitable Tourism Stakeholder Participation in Namibia

This paper proffers a comprehensive four (4)-stage model framework that is free from prejudice or discrimination but supports and promotes equitable tourism stakeholders' collaboration and participation in Namibia. The framework is, however, developed with an orientation to the challenges tourism stakeholders face when participating in policy and decision-making processes. A qualitative research method was employed, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 purposively sampled stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), and Emerging Tourism Enterprises Association (ETEA). The study results showed that some stakeholders experienced exclusion from decision-making and policy formulation initiatives, leading to resentment towards some tourism stakeholders. This resentment hinders valuable collaboration amongst strategic tourism stakeholders within Namibia. Consequently, the study has implications for tourism policymakers and other stakeholders to strengthen the industry using an integrated framework of collaboration that encourages cooperation and harmony among the stakeholders involved. This study contributes to existing and new literature by exploring effective stakeholder frameworks that should enhance policy coherence, create amicable decision- making processes, reduce conflict, and heighten support for tourism growth in other Southern African countries.