Tourism boosts Namibia's economic growth

World
Europe

02:49

As one of the world's most scenic countries, Namibia is consistently ranked high by the World Economic Forum Travel and Tourism competitiveness reports. It counts within its repertoire of tourist offerings, the world's oldest desert, the highest dunes, largest cheetah population and the oldest plant in the world, as well as the world's second largest canyon.

The Namibian tourism sector, like most of its neighbors, is a major job multiplier and a significant contributor to the country's gross domestic product. Namibia's Minister of Environment and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta said 11 tourist arrivals in Namibia equate to one job created.

"That means in a couple of two or three years, we had about 1.4 to 1.5 million tourist arrivals so that means more than 100,000 jobs were created," Pohamba said, adding that the majority of Namibia's tourists come from Europe.

Meanwhile, the country is going to target the North American and Asian markets.

VCG Photo

A unique tourism concept has linked Namibia to its northern neighbors, a trans-frontier park that will require only one visa. Pohamba said there is currently a pilot project between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

"Now when we have our meeting next time, for KAZA (Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area), as ministers we are going [discuss whether] it's possible to start now replicating it to the rest of the three countries, and we can now look at the rest of Southern Africa," said Pohamba.

Meanwhile, Namibia and China are expected to sign a cooperation deal under the Belt and Road Initiative during President Hage Geingob's visit to the China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, which begins on Sunday. In addition to consolidating relations, the agreement also stands as a key opportunity for Namibia to enter the Asian market.