The Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism has called on role players in the tourism industry to diversify their trades.

Pohamba Shifeta said this when he officially launched the 2023 Tourism Expo in Windhoek.

It has been almost two years since the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the tourism sector to its knees around the globe, and Namibia was not spared.

Namibia could not hold its annual Tourism Expo, resulting in a decline in revenue from the industry.

The expo will now be reintroduced this year, and Shifeta believes the full participation of stakeholders will ensure the successful hosting of the Expo.

Shifeta, therefore, appealed to exhibitors to diversify their products to attract a wide range of visitors as well as to promote cultural activities.

In order to revive the tourist sector, the ministry has five pillars aimed at attracting, marketing, and promoting the sector and ensuring that Namibia remains the preferred tourist destination.

The minister is thus optimistic about the future growth of the industry.

Lisa Scriven, the founder of Utopia Africa, also desires diversity in tourism activities such as cultural and agri-tourism.

The Tourism Expo aims to open and promote Namibia's diverse tourism activities, and it will be held from April 6 to 28.

Young people have been urged to take part in tourism activities and contribute to the growth of the sector.

Tourism is regarded as one of the major contributors to job creation, especially among the youth.