Namibia witnesses increase in tourist arrivals

Namibia has recorded a significant increase in international tourist arrivals, having recorded 7.6 percent in 2014 when more than 1.4 million people visited the country, compared to 1.3 million recorded in 2013, according to Environment and Tourism Minister Pohamba Shifeta.The country also ranked number five on 2015 Buzzfeed’s list of 20 most beautiful countries in the world, alongside South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania.

The country has been awarded various accolades by tourism-based organization’s as having the fastest growing tourism industry in the world and the premiere destination to travel in with children.

This is a clear indication that we are moving in the right direction the minister said Shifeta in a statement seen by APA on Thursday.

He was speaking during the opening of the 2015 Namibia Tourism Expo in Windhoek, Namibia on Wednesday.

Shifeta also cautioned the sector to work with government in order to improve tourism and travel industry in the country.

He said: We must collectively address all shortcomings and gaps in all areas including specialized skills such as chefs and tour guides, among others. We need to continue to invest in manpower development in order to offer quality services that provide memorable experiences to our visitors.

The minister said the government is in the process of finalizing the National Tourism Investment Profile and Promotion Strategy, and Sustainable Tourism Development and Growth Strategies, in order to address constraints and strategic re-positioning of the Namibian tourism sector into becoming the key national economic and development sector of choice.