The World Tourism Organisation has unveiled guidelines highlighting Namibia’s unique cultural heritage, robust economy and supportive business environment as key attractions for international investors.
The organisation, also known as UN Tourism, said the “Tourism Doing Business: Investing in Namibia” guidelines aim to promote investment opportunities in Namibia’s rapidly growing tourism sector, emphasising areas with significant potential for future development.
In a statement on Wednesday, UN Tourism secretary-general Zurab Pololikashvili underscored Namibia’s dedication to innovation, sustainability and inclusivity.
“Namibia’s diverse investment opportunities and its dedication to sustainable growth make it an interesting destination for global investments,” Pololikashvili said.
He noted that “the country’s efforts in energy transition and tourism expansion reflect its commitment to innovation and inclusivity.”
The guidelines were launched during his visit to Namibia last week, which coincided with the inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as the country’s first female president.
Namibia, renowned for its iconic landscapes such as the Sossusvlei dunes and the rich wildlife of Etosha National Park, has established itself as a gateway to southern Africa.
The country’s tourism industry has seen remarkable progress, welcoming 863,872 international visitors in 2023 – an 87.4 percent increase from the previous year.
In the same year, the sector contributed 6.9 percent to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP), generating $348 million in international tourism receipts.
The country’s economic growth has also bolstered its appeal to investors.
Namibia recorded GDP growth of 3.1 percent in 2024, with projections reaching 4.2 percent for 2025.
Foreign direct investment inflows surged to $2.61 billion in 2023, up from $1.06 billion in 2022, with key contributors including China, South Africa, the United Kingdom and Mauritius.
JN/APA