Tourist arrivals in Namibia have made a remarkable recovery of 28.9% following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Statistics released by the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, indicate that the tourism period spanning from 2021 to 2022 has witnessed a substantial surge in international and inbound tourist arrivals, registering a remarkable increase of 98.1% compared to the pandemic-affected period of 2020 to 2021.

In 2021, the number of arrivals amounted to 232,757.

"I am delighted to report the record 98.1% increase in international and inbound tourist arrivals from 232 756 in 2021 to 461 027 arrivals in 2022. This figure indicates a 28.9% recovery level from the annual tourist arrivals of 2019."

Shifeta attributes this positive growth to the substantial confidence that tourists place in Namibia as a desirable destination. This confidence has been bolstered by improved accessibility to the country, reform of the visa regime, increased airline seat availability, and vigorous marketing and promotional efforts, among other factors.

South Africa, Angola, and Germany are the top three countries contributing to Namibia's tourism growth, accounting for more than 50% of the total tourist arrivals.

Shifeta also clarified that the recent parliamentary vote on same-sex marriage, similar to that in Uganda, is not anticipated to impact the upward trajectory of the tourism industry in Namibia.

"I don't think there will be a major shift in the tourism arrival in the country; nobody will be harassed even if you are whatever. It has never happened before. I think it's just to understand what the law says."

Shifeta also indicated that the law will undergo further scrutiny to ensure its alignment with constitutional requirements.