WINDHOEK, June 25 (Xinhua) -- China entered Namibia's top 10 overseas tourism source markets in 2025, while international tourist arrivals to the southern African country declined, official data showed Thursday.
Namibia received 1,345,168 international arrivals in 2025, down 6.9 percent from 1,444,174 in 2024, Environment, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel said at the launch of the latest Tourist Statistical Report.
Of the total, 1,217,108 were international tourists, a decrease of 3.2 percent from 1,257,093 in the previous year. Tourists accounted for 90.5 percent of all international arrivals, while the remainder comprised same-day visitors, returning residents and other categories.
China ranked eighth among Namibia's overseas tourism source markets, with 9,657 tourists, accounting for 0.8 percent of total tourist arrivals, while Russia ranked ninth with 8,727 tourists, or 0.7 percent of the total.
Neither country featured in the top 10 overseas source markets in 2024, according to the report.
The report said their entry into the ranking reflects a gradual diversification of Namibia's tourism market, with emerging markets gaining ground alongside traditional source countries.
However, Daniel said the decline in arrivals should serve as a signal for Namibia to strengthen its competitiveness, improve safety and enhance its tourism offering.
She attributed the downturn partly to safety concerns following reported incidents involving tourists, as well as initial challenges associated with revised visa requirements introduced during the period.
The ministry is implementing the National Spatial Tourism Master Plan to improve safety coordination, strengthen destination marketing and diversify tourism offerings, including cruise and astro-tourism, to support long-term growth, according to the minister.
A single purchase
