UN Chief Calls For Innovative Revolution of Namibia’s Tourism

Namibia’s tourism sector is at a transformative juncture, as underscored by the Secretary-General of UN Tourism, Zurab Pololikashvili, in a keynote address at a Public Lecture by the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

Speaking on the theme Sustainable Tourism in Africa: Harnessing Technology, Inclusion and Heritage for a Resilient Future, Pololikashvili lauded Namibia’s achievements while urging stakeholders to embrace innovation and inclusivity to unlock the nation’s full potential.

“We celebrate Namibia’s tourism sector, its extraordinary natural beauty, its culture, and its spirit,” Pololikashvili remarked. “At the same time, we look ahead to a new era, one marked by education, innovation, and inclusivity.”

Namibia’s tourism successes and future potential

The Secretary-General hailed Namibia’s conservation efforts, particularly its community-based conservancies, as a model for sustainable tourism. “These initiatives illustrate how tourism can catalyse economic progress, protect ecosystems, and empower local communities. They are a testimony to a nation that values both its heritage and its future,” he stated.

Reflecting on his first visit to Namibia in November 2020 during the pandemic, Pololikashvili recalled his stops in Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, and Windhoek. “What great memories I had despite the context,” he said. “I promised myself that I would come back, and that we would organise something unique. We did just that!”

He cited the 2021 Brand Africa Forum, hosted in Windhoek, as a milestone event that brought together government and private sector leaders to shape Africa’s tourism narrative. “It was a true success,” he affirmed.

Investment, infrastructure and connectivity

Namibia’s ongoing efforts to attract investment and strengthen infrastructure were a focal point of Pololikashvili’s speech. He praised frameworks such as the National Tourism Investment Profile and Promotion Strategy and the National Sustainable Tourism Growth and Development Strategy, describing them as “powerful roadmaps to expand tourism’s role in the economy, welcome new partnerships, and safeguard environmental integrity.”

A major development reinforcing Namibia’s commitment to open tourism and business is the government’s introduction of visas-on-arrival for investors and tourists starting in April. “By streamlining entry, Namibia signals to the world that it is open for discovery and open for business!” he declared.

He further highlighted Namibia’s impressive Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) growth, which reached 2.6 billion US dollars in 2023, driven by contributions from China, South Africa, and the UK. “Namibia is diversifying beyond mining into tourism, agriculture, and financial services, marking a new chapter in its economic expansion,” he added.

Innovation & digital transformation

Emphasising the importance of innovation, Pololikashvili pointed to initiatives like the Bloomberg Finance Lab at the Namibia University of Science and Technology. “This is a testament to the transformative power of data. By using real-time market data, tourism stakeholders can design better strategies, secure funding in a more efficient way, and remain responsive in a highly competitive global environment,” he explained.

Aligning with UN Tourism’s priorities, he underscored the need for inclusive development, innovative policymaking, and sustainability. “We have a responsibility to ensure that tourism, along with other strategic industries, empowers everyone. From the rural village benefiting from community-led ecotourism to the young person discovering opportunities in data analytics and hospitality entrepreneurship, we must create a shared ecosystem of success,” he urged.

Empowering Namibia’s youth for a sustainable future

In a nod to Namibia’s youth, Pololikashvili referenced a quote from late President Hage Geingob: ‘We must renew our trust in the future – where our youth are the custodians of tomorrow.’ Echoing this sentiment, he stressed the importance of building a future where Namibia’s young people are at the forefront of innovation and economic growth.

“Our task here is to build not just thriving industries, but an enduring future—one where no dream is out of reach and where Namibia’s promise continues to shine as a guiding model for Africa and the world,” he concluded.