Windhoek: Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), Indileni Daniel, has underscored the vital role of tourism as a key driver of Namibia's economic growth, job creation, and rural development. Speaking on her behalf at the Travel Namibia Festival, themed 'Why Tourism Matters,' Daniel emphasized the significant impact of tourism beyond just travel and leisure.

According to Namibia Press Agency, tourism is a purposeful industry essential for sustaining livelihoods and shaping economies. Daniel highlighted that the Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) provides insight into the economic impact of the sector, with the 2022 TSA reporting a direct contribution of N.dollars 14.3 billion to Namibia's GDP. Furthermore, the sector provides direct employment to 57,571 individuals, accounting for approximately 7.9% of total employment in the country.

Daniel called on industry stakeholders to adopt spatial thinking, invest in human capital, focus on sustainability, and strengthen partnerships with local communities. She noted the power of tourism as a tool for economic inclusion, supporting a wide range of professions from tour guides to craft-makers, and making a significant difference for many rural households.

The minister also reiterated the government's commitment to sustainable tourism through the National Tourism Spatial Development Master Plan. This initiative aims to decentralize tourism activities, unlock under-utilized assets across all 14 regions, and expand employment and enterprise opportunities.

In her concluding remarks, Daniel urged tourism stakeholders to maintain high standards of safety, security, and hygiene, particularly in a world still recovering from the impacts of global events.