Namibia assures tourists of safety

The safety and security of tourists is the primary concern of every host country because tourists will only visit areas where their lives and property are protected, according to a senior Namibian government official.

This follows recent violent attacks on tourists in Namibia, which environment and tourism minister Pohamba Shifeta said has the potential to ruin the country’s reputation as a preferred tourism destination.

“The government, in particular the Ministry of Environment and Tourism as custodian of this industry, values our visitors who make Namibia a destination of choice and come from across the world to see and experience our beautiful country and its people,” he said in a statement. “Tourism is a significant sector that generates revenue that is injected into our developmental needs and [it helps] to keep our economy afloat.”

Shifeta said Windhoek is cognisant that the success or failure for Namibia to remain a tourism destination of choice depends on being able to provide a safe and secure environment for travellers.

“Therefore, the information that a suspect of crime against tourists was convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment in Walvis Bay… and three more who robbed tourists of N$24 000 were found guilty and are awaiting sentencing on Monday, is the most welcome news to me and the entire tourism sector,” he said.

“The Ministry of Environment and Tourism together with all stakeholders and the Namibian Police have given our commitment that no single act of crime against tourists will be condoned.” The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Namibia’s gross domestic product (GDP) was N$4,9 billion ($369.3 million) or 2.9% of total GDP in 2017.