Sarah Anghuwo
“Traveling is not only about seeing new places, but also about feeling new emotions. Art is the best way to express them.” – Sarah Anghuwo
With the Namibian Tourism Industry being one of the biggest GDP contributors to the economy, mainly through its wildlife and natural attractions, it’s essential as we step into 2024 to scrutinize the dynamics of tourism. As we bid farewell to 2023, the focus sharpens on the types of tourism that have thrived and those that have been inadvertently neglected.
Despite the tourism sector’s vital role in driving the economy, there’s a disconcerting oversight in the prominence given to art-related tourism. Namibia, boasting a wealth of cultural and artistic heritage, witnessed a noticeable imbalance during the festive season of 2023, as tourism predominantly revolved around natural attractions.
The economic weightage of the Namibian tourism industry cannot be overstated, particularly with its substantial contributions to the GDP, driven by the allure of wildlife and natural wonders. However, this success story stands in contrast to the nuanced issue at hand.
The lack of emphasis on art-related tourism has implications beyond the financial realm. The policies formulated under the influence of the wildlife-centric approach might inadvertently sideline the diverse cultural and artistic offerings of Namibia, leading to an underrepresentation of this facet in the tourism landscape.
As we delve into the intricacies, it becomes evident that the heavy reliance on natural attractions not only hampers the growth of art-related tourism but also risks potential ad hoc planning. The 2030 Vision under Wildlife and Tourism could face challenges as the disproportionate focus on one aspect of tourism may lead to an uneven distribution of tourist traffic. This, in turn, poses a threat to the natural conservation areas, jeopardizing the preservation of Namibia’s distinct essence.
In August 2023, Simonis Storms Securities company undertook a comprehensive Socio-economic Impact Of Namibian Tourism Sector report. Within the macro-economic overview of the tourism sector, the report unveiled a noteworthy annualized increase of 3.8% in net investments across arts, entertainment, and other services. However, a lingering concern arises as the statistical assessments might not comprehensively capture the economic contributions of this sector, primarily due to the prevailing emphasis on wildlife and natural attractions.
The symbiotic relationship between art and tourism becomes more apparent, highlighting the need for a balanced approach. The inconsistency in policy implementation and formulation from both the Ministry of Arts and Culture and Ministry of Tourism poses challenges for art-related employment in Namibia, contradicting the industry’s inherent interconnectedness. In addressing these disparities, a recalibration of tourism promotion is imperative.
Recognizing and supporting the diverse facets of cultural and artistic heritage is not only crucial for economic well-being but also for ensuring the holistic preservation of Namibia’s natural and cultural treasures for generations to come.
* Sarah Anghuwo is an advocate for the arts. Contact her at africikoatizay@gmail.com