Africa-Press – Namibia. Namibia’s tourism industry has recorded one of its strongest recoveries in years, with tourist arrivals rising sharply from 461,027 in 2022 to 863,872 in 2023, representing an 87.4% increase, according to Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel.
In an interview with New Era, the minister said the figures demonstrate renewed international confidence in Namibia as a leading African travel destination and a growing force in sustainable tourism.
She described the sector as a vital economic pillar that supports livelihoods, drives rural development and promotes national identity.
“The sustained growth is testimony to the success of tourism in Namibia, increased international mobility, and global interest in our natural and cultural sights,” Daniel said.
The minister declared Namibia not just a travel destination, but a life-changing experience where visitors “connect with nature, culture,and purpose.”
In an exclusive interview with New Era, the minister described Namibia as a land of “endless horizons” and “boundless hospitality”, where every visitor becomes a partner in conservation and cultural exchange.
Her message stood out as an invitation to the world, one that could easily inspire tourists and investors alike to look to Namibia as Africa’s rising star in sustainable tourism.
“To our visitors, Namibia welcomes all cultures, all colours, all beliefs, all types and all people not just as guests, but as partners in preserving our landscapes and sharing in our culture,” she said warmly.
She continued, “Our oldest desert is waiting to offer you a quiet moment, Etosha will thrill you with close encounters with wildlife, and our people are waiting to embrace you with the warmth of community life.”
Recovery
Daniel revealed that Namibia’s tourism sector has made a remarkable recovery since the devastating impact of Covid-19.
She said the recovery has not only restored confidence in the industry but has also exceeded pre-pandemic numbers in overseas arrivals.
“This growth is testimony to the success of our tourism, increased global interest in Namibia’s wonders, and the resilience of our people,” she said.
Namibia, she explained, continues to attract travellers seeking authenticity from the towering red dunes of the Namib Desert and the striking wildlife of Etosha, to the cultural depth of its diverse communities.
The country’s low population density, undisturbed wilderness, and reputation for dark sky astrotourism make it a unique, almost spiritual destination for explorers looking for peace, space and connection.
“Namibia is more than a place to visit. It’s a destination where one can reconnect with nature, rediscover purpose, and experience the harmony between people, wildlife and the environment,” Daniel emphasised.
Life-changing tourism
The minister also underscored how tourism is changing lives, particularly in rural Namibia. She outlined major projects that link conservation with development, ensuring that communities directly benefit from tourism revenues.
Through community-based tourism and community-owned enterprises, rural Namibians are building guesthouses, craft centres and campsites that showcase their heritage and hospitality.
These initiatives, supported by her ministry, have allowed local people to earn income, improve infrastructure and preserve wildlife — all at once.
“Our approach is simple: tourism must uplift communities. We want every Namibian, especially the youth, to see tourism as a space where they can thrive and lead,” Daniel said.
She said the ministry is also advancing a National Tourism Spatial Development Master Plan, which will guide investment and expand tourism beyond traditional hotspots like Etosha and Sossusvlei to underdeveloped regions. “We are spreading opportunities across all 14 regions so that no community is left behind,” she said.
To ensure the future of tourism remains bright, Daniel highlighted youth-focused programmes such as the African Youth Innovation Challenge and Summit, which provides young entrepreneurs with mentorship and funding for tourism-related start-ups.
The ministry, she added, is partnering with training institutions like the Namibia Training Authority, Namibia Tourism Board, and the Hospitality Association of Namibia to equip young Namibians with practical skills in guiding, hospitality, digital marketing and creative tourism.
“Our youth are the future storytellers of this country,” she said. “When we empower them, we empower tourism itself,” she said.
Smart investment
Daniel said Namibia is ready to become Sub-Saharan Africa’s most competitive tourism destination, built on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.
The government, she noted, has developed strategic frameworks to attract responsible investment, strengthen infrastructure, and expand airport access. “We are creating an enabling environment for public-private partnerships,” she said. Her vision is a tourism economy that functions year-round, creates decent jobs, and supports Namibia’s long-term development goals.
“We see tourism as a resilient pillar that drives poverty reduction, environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
From the silence of the Namib dunes to the heartbeat of community life in conservancies, Namibia offers visitors a rare balance of serenity and adventure. It is this spirit of openness, diversity, and purpose that the minister believes will define Namibia’s tourism identity in the years to come.
“Namibia welcomes the world with open arms. Those who come here do not just see but also feel. They become part of something bigger: a nation that protects its beauty, values its people, and shares its story with pride,” she concluded
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