Windhoek: Namibia’s tourism sector will focus on integrated and inclusive growth over the next five years, Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) Chief Executive Officer Sebulon Chicalu said on Monday. Chicalu highlighted the board and the government’s shared vision of a tourism sector characterized by broader participation and equal emphasis on both international and domestic markets.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Chicalu expressed the necessity for a more inclusive tourism sector. He stated, “Domestic and international tourism are of equal value, and we must spread the benefits across the country, not only in flagship sites like Etosha or Sossusvlei.” His comments came during the launch of NTB’s Southern Experience familiarisation trip for local media, a six-day program covering destinations such as Mariental, Stampriet, the Fish River Canyon, Aus, Lderitz, Sesriem, and Deadvlei.
Chicalu noted that tourism contributes about N.dollars 25 billion to the economy, integrating both domestic and international activities. He remarked, “In 2015, the value of the domestic market was about N.dollars 1 billion. After COVID-19, that contribution reduced, but the sector as a whole remains significant, with the most recent comprehensive figures placing the total tourism economy at around N.dollars 25 billion.”
He emphasized the importance of tourism growth reaching community levels and fostering wider participation. NTB is facilitating this through regional offices aimed at improving access to information and services. “Tourism must not end at national parks or the main attractions. It must reach villages and regions across the country. That is why the ministry is finalising a special master plan to identify tourism assets in all corners of Namibia,” Chicalu added.
Chicalu also pointed out that cultural services remain underdeveloped as a tourism resource, particularly in food and heritage activities. He urged the media to help profile cultural and community-based assets through coverage, stating, “These trips are important because they profile areas and bring new stories that may not have been covered before. If tourism reaches the villages and communities, it is because of the media helping to highlight those resources.”
The media tour is designed to showcase authentic experiences in southern Namibia and provide journalists with firsthand exposure to tourism products. Highlights of the itinerary include the Fish River Canyon, Kolmanskop ghost town, the wild desert horses near Aus, and Sossusvlei.