By: Loise Shiimi
Anelie Petrus, a passionate Namibian traveller dedicated to exploring her own country, advocates for fellow Namibians to prioritise local tourism over waiting for international tourists to discover Namibia.
In an interview with Eagle FM, Petrus acknowledged that budgeting for travel within one’s own country can pose challenges. However, she emphasised that this should not deter locals from exploring their surroundings, especially since many people budget for trips abroad to enjoy experiences such as visiting the ocean.
“We have our own coastline; what is stopping us from visiting Swakopmund and experiencing our own beautiful beaches? It’s confusing that we encourage international tourists to explore our country while many of us have yet to discover our own regions,” she remarked.
Petrus argued the significance of exploring one’s own country, sharing that it is disheartening for foreigners to know more about Namibia than its own citizens.
“Imagine someone from Windhoek telling you about the city, while you remain unaware of what they’re referring to, simply because you have not considered budgeting a trip to Windhoek to experience it firsthand,” she pointed out.
She further noted that visiting local destinations supports small businesses, which, in turn, contributes to economic growth. Namibians should not merely wait for international visitors to spend money in their country; they, too, must invest in their homeland’s offerings, she asserted.
Highlighting the rich diversity of Namibia’s ethnic groups and cultures, Petrus stressed the need for greater understanding and connection among them.
“We should take time to learn about each other’s cultures, from traditional attire to culinary practices. This knowledge can foster unity rather than division. It’s essential to respect the customs of all tribes and recognise that we are one Namibia, one nation,” she stated.
In terms of business innovation, Petrus mentioned that exploring different regions can provide valuable insights into successful strategies employed by others.
“Many hotels offer promotions to encourage Namibians to stay and experience these establishments. Yet, the question remains: Why are we not taking advantage of these opportunities? Do we really want tourists to be our only source of knowledge about our country? If we travel abroad, how will we represent Namibia authentically if we haven’t explored it ourselves?” she queried.
With the rise of social media, Petrus called for a concerted effort to promote Namibia effectively, urging citizens to share content that uplifts the nation, rather than posting irrelevant information.
“Tourism plays a vital role in our GDP, and if we do not promote our own country effectively, we risk falling behind while other nations successfully market their own attractions,” she cautioned.
According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, the latest statistics indicate a 0.1 percent decline in regional and domestic passenger arrivals in October 2025, following a 5.6 percent decrease in September 2025.
