Namibia has been ranked third top tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa by the 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitive Index, coming ahead of much-popularised exotic countries such as Kenya and Tanzania.
Namibia follows South Africa at number two spot with Mauritius topping the list of 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Botswana ranking fifth in the regional listing.
Namibia ranks 84 in the overall ranking of 139 countries worldwide. Switzerland is at number one in the world, while South Africa and Botswana rank 66 and 91 respectively.
Namibia safaris offer its rich natural resources, fauna and a pristine natural environment along with prioritised environment sustainability plus well developed ground transport infrastructure, which played in its favour.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) released the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report on March 07 at the Global Tourism Forum 2011 in Andorra.
Last year’s football world cup contributed to South Africa as a safari destination as it reinforced South Africa’s position as a key international tourism destination, along with reasonably priced hotel rooms and a favourable tax regime, according to the report.
Namibia’s western neighbour, Botswana, which ranked fifth in the region scored high for its natural resources, with much nationally protected land area, rich fauna, and a lack of environmental damage.
The country also benefits from excellent price competitiveness, with low-ticket taxes and airport charges, a favourable tax regime, and low prices more generally, making Botswana safaris favourable.
