Namibia’s Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Honourable Indileni Daniel, MP, delivered a powerful address at the 123rd Session of the UN Tourism Executive Council in Segovia, Spain, reaffirming Namibia’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive tourism.
Expressing gratitude to Spain for hosting and the UN Tourism Secretariat for its support, Minister Daniel highlighted Namibia’s conservation efforts, with over 40% of its territory under protection and communities leading biodiversity initiatives. “Our approach balances ecological stewardship with inclusive socio-economic growth,” she stated, noting that the recent e-visa system has boosted tourist arrivals and global confidence.
Minister Daniel endorsed UN Tourism’s African Gastronomy Forum and Zimbabwe’s upcoming Culinary School, pledging contributions from Namibia’s Hospitality School and Tourism Board. She outlined national priorities, including the Investing in Namibia 2025 framework to attract tourism investment, support for the Pan-African Tourism Innovation Hub to foster youth entrepreneurship, and the development of a National Tourism Spatial Master Plan aligned with UN Tourism methodologies.
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With 71.1% of Namibia’s population under 35, Daniel emphasized empowering youth and women as key to sustainable growth. She reaffirmed Namibia’s alignment with the Agenda for Africa – Tourism for Inclusive Growth and reflected on the 2021 Windhoek Pledge, adopted during Namibia’s hosting of the UN Tourism Regional Conference.
Congratulating the newly elected UN Tourism Secretary-General and thanking the outgoing one for advancing African tourism, Daniel invited delegates to experience Namibia’s stunning landscapes and sustainability-driven model. The address underscored Namibia’s leadership in fostering resilient, inclusive tourism across the continent.
