WINDHOEK, July 16– Namibia recorded an 87.4 percent increase in international tourist arrivals in 2023, increasing from 461,027 in 2022 to 863,872 tourists, according to the 2023 Tourist Statistical Report released Monday.
Speaking at the launch of the report, Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said 2023 proved to be a good year for tourist arrivals, showing a recovery of the sector after the negative impact of COVID-19 on international tourist arrivals.
“This notable increase demonstrates that the demand for Namibia as a tourist destination for visitors is steadily growing,” he said.
In 2023, the top 10 source markets for tourists to Namibia were South Africa, Angola, Germany, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Netherlands, according to the report.
The minister stressed the importance of sustainable tourism practices, highlighting Namibia’s commitment to preserving natural resources, supporting local communities, and minimizing environmental impacts.
“Sustainable tourism has been at the core of our strategic success, and I am proud to say that we have taken significant strides toward responsible tourism practices,” he said.
Shifeta said the ministry aims to position Namibia as a leading tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa by diversifying the tourism portfolio, promoting sustainable practices, leveraging technology, and strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders.
“Our vision is to position Namibia as the leading tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond. We aim to enhance our infrastructure further, improve service delivery, and continue promoting Namibia globally,” Shifeta added.
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