Businesses in Rundu reported a significant uptick in trade after thousands of visitors descended on the town for the Public Enterprises Games.

Hotels, lodges, restaurants and leisure operators said demand for accommodation, food and beverages and recreational activities was unusually high. Most of the businesses NBC News spoke to said they could not recall being this busy.

Esther Mande, sales representative at Trans Caprivi Lodge, said the lodge was fully booked and operated its kitchen and bar around the clock. “We really made money, and we are happy for that. We wish for the competition to come back,” she said.

Merceline Wapota, operations manager at AM Ludgerus Boutique Estate, said all rooms were occupied and restaurant and bar sales increased. “It was good exposure for the business as well as the spa,” she said, noting many visitors were discovering the establishment for the first time.

Waiters at local restaurants described the pressure on staff and supplies. Joseph Kampusi of PS Restaurant said the venue was so packed it was difficult to serve everyone and to predict how much stock to order. “Every day we closed late. We had to chase people to go,” he said.

Hotel Rundu reported full occupancy across its 49 rooms. Waiter Victor Kanana said high demand made service challenging but profitable. “We made money. Sometimes it even felt like you wanted to extend the rooms,” he said.

Rundu’s riverside attractions also saw strong interest. Peter Immanuel, caretaker at Rundu Beach Recreational Facility, said the beach drew many visitors despite nearby pipeline construction. “The SOE games were not an exception; we had a lot of visitors and business was really booming,” he said.