Namibia's Tourism Industry Targets New Markets

Namibia’s pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market generated a lot of interest and attention. Holiday Guide magazine brings you a comprehensive report on why Namibia is fast emerging as a popular tourist destination among travellers from the Middle East as well as all across the world.

The tourism sector is one of the fastest growing sectors of Namibia’s economy and over the next ten years, travel and tourism in Namibia is forecast to achieve an annual growth of 7.9% in terms of GDP and create new 36,000 jobs. The share of travel and tourism is expected to rise to 23% of Namibia’s GDP and to 22% of total employment by 2020.

Even though Namibia does not have a warm coastline to attract sun-loving beach-goers and most safari enthusiasts are more commonly drawn to Kenya or South Africa, even so, Namibia has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination among seasoned travellers from the Middle East region.

Most visitors are attracted by Namibia’s dramatic scenery and landscapes – such as the spectacular Fish River Canyon – and by the large areas of unspoiled wilderness.

In 2018, Namibia received approximately 1.4 million visitors. Generally, tourists come for self-drive holidays or tours in small groups. This allows visitors to enjoy the isolated nature of many attractions. A number of small camps, lodges and guest farms provide accommodation.