Telling Namibia's Story: NTB Launches Cultural Tourism Initiative

A group of Namibian journalists, social media influencers, and cultural enthusiasts are embarking on a journey to showcase the country's rich cultural heritage. The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has initiated a project to highlight the country's cultural tourism potential, with the aim of increasing local participation and benefiting more Namibians from the tourism sector. The group is traveling through the length and breadth of Namibia, visiting unique cultural landmarks, historic sites, and immersing themselves in local traditions.

Key Takeaways:

• The initiative aims to shift the narrative of tourism in Namibia from landscapes and wildlife to include cultural experiences, such as food, music, and storytelling.
• NTB CEO Sebulon Chicalu emphasized the importance of cultural tourism, stating that Namibians do not earn much from cultural services despite the country's rich cultural heritage.
• The initiative will highlight cultural landmarks and historic sites, including the Etosha National Park, Ongula Homestead Lodge, Eenhana shrine, Nakambale Rest Camp, and the Ondonga Traditional Authority.
• The group will also engage with regional leaders and custodians of heritage, such as Queen Mwadinomho, to learn about local traditions and governance systems.
• NTB is targeting 1.8 million international visitors by 2030, up from 864,000 in 2023, with a projected GDP contribution of N$18.5 billion.
• The initiative aims to nurture both international and domestic tourism equally to sustain growth.

Statistics:

• Namibia attracted 864,000 international visitors in 2023.
• NTB is targeting 1.8 million international visitors by 2030.
• Tourism's contribution to the GDP, valued at N$14.3 billion in 2022, is projected to rise to N$18.5 billion by 2030.
• Only a small percentage of Namibians benefit directly from the tourism sector.

Sources:

• New Era, Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).