The number of tourist arrivals to Namibia jumped 3,9% to 1,5 million in 2018 from 1,4 million visitors recorded in 2017, according to data released by the ministry of environment and tourism.
Minister Pohamba Shifeta said Angola recorded the highest number of tourists who visited the southern African country in 2018 at 489 013 visitors.
Other countries with the largest number of tourists who visited the country were South Africa, Zambia, Germany, Zimbabwe, Botswana, France, the United Kingdom, the United States and Netherlands.
Air Namibia brought in the largest number of tourists in the country with 41%, followed by South African Airways (21,9%) and British Airways (6%).
“These days, Namibia is a much better tourist destination than it was in previous years. We know this because the statistics prove so,” said Shifeta.
He said Namibia should improve its services and products to ensure that it remains a good-value-for-money destination.
“The report shows how Namibia needs to enhance its image in terms of promotion and marketing to deepen its position as a destination,” said Shifeta.
“Most importantly, the tourism industry needs to diversify its tourism products, address seasonality and manage growth strategically.”
Namibia’s ministry of home affairs announced last year that tourists from 47 countries no longer need visas prior to their departure for tourism, visiting, or transiting through Namibia.
This comprises 27 African countries and 20 others from across the world.
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