Namibia’s tourism industry has been blooming over the past couple of years and promises to become an even more important contributor to the Namibian economy as more travelers are inclined to visit this little-known country on Africa’s southwestern coast. However, just how much does tourism contribute to the Namibian economy, and how does it compare to the country’s other economic sectors? Let’s take a look at these numbers.

What is GDP?

Gross domestic product (GDP) is a measurement of total economic output in a country. GDP captures all goods and services produced in that country, regardless of whether they are consumed there or exported elsewhere. The value of all goods and services produced within the borders of a country during one year is equal to that country’s GDP.

How Much Does Tourism Contribute to GDP in Namibia?

Tourism, in general, is an important industry for developing countries because it can be a valuable source of revenue. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism’s contribution to Namibia’s GDP was $1.7 billion USD in 2016, which accounted for 20% of Namibia’s GDP. This number includes both tourists visiting Namibia and foreign visitors who traveled from other countries but spent money there.

The Economic Impact of Tourism in Namibia

Tourism is a major industry in Namibia, and one that contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth. According to World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) data, tourism contributed $2.2 billion or 6.7% of Namibia’s GDP in 2016. The number of international visitors coming into Namibia has also been steadily increasing at an annual rate of 10%. This trend is expected to continue in line with a forecasted rise in global travel expenditure over the next decade.