Global tourism rose 5% in 2025, but Namibia’s occupancy dropped, signaling a slowdown in key markets.

Global tourism saw a 5% rise in international arrivals from January to September 2025 compared to 2024, reaching over 1.1 billion—3% above 2019 pre-pandemic levels—with Africa and Europe leading gains. Despite inflation and geopolitical risks, UN Tourism expects full-year growth of 3% to 5%, supported by steady hotel occupancy. However, Namibia’s October 2025 accommodation occupancy dropped to 61.65%, down over 3% from 2024 and more than 8% below 2019, signaling a slowdown in key markets. In 2024, Namibia welcomed 1.26 million tourists, a 45.5% increase from 2023 and 79% of 2019 levels, driven by South Africa and Germany, with leisure travel dominating and sustainable development plans underway.