Answer to Question #235224 in Economics for Sheehama Asser

Question

Tourism could become an engine of growth and economic development. Discuss the current challenges facing tourism and the strategies proposed in the Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) to promote and stimulate the tourism sector?

Answer 1

The Fifth National Development Plan (NDP5) is the 5th NDP in the series of a total of seven (7) National Developmnet Plans that are to implement and achieve the objectives and aspirations of Namibia's long term vision (Vision 2030). In sequence, NDP5 will be the third five year implementation vehicle towards VISION 2030. NDP5 will be implemented from the financial year 2017/18 up until 2021/22

The factors that hinder the development of tourism in Africa include the following:

- the low economic level of most African countries;

- poorly developed tourist infrastructure and transport network;

- the unstable internal political situation of a number of countries on the continent;

- lack of developed domestic tourism, which “paves the way” for international tourism;

- the governments of a number of countries pay insufficient attention to the development of tourism;

- some areas of the continent are characterized by unfavorable climatic conditions (intense heat, dry winds, a long period of heavy rainfall).

The rapid development of tourism in Africa is due to the fact that visitors receive good conditions, namely:

· Rich local flora;

· Diversity and exoticism of fauna;

· Good service in hotels;

· Mild climate all year round;

· Coasts with excellent beaches;

· Good location of the mainland;

· A large number of cultural monuments;

· Many historical sights.