ATICA 2026: Namibia showcases iconic attractions, pushes Pan-African tourism collaboration in Lagos
By Onyeka Ezike
Namibia took center stage at the 2026 Afrique Travel Industry Conference and Awards (ATICA) in Lagos, as the country’s tourism authorities unveiled a compelling portfolio of destinations while industry leaders called for deeper collaboration to unlock Africa’s vast travel potential.
The Head of Marketing at the Namibia Tourism Board (NTB), Charmaine Matheus, delivered a detailed presentation of Namibia’s tourism offerings during the event held at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island. She described Namibia as the “shining diamond of Africa,” highlighting its unique landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural heritage as key draws for global travelers.
Among the standout attractions she showcased was Etosha National Park, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most accessible game reserves. The park is home to an impressive concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and buffaloes—making it a prime destination for safari enthusiasts.
Matheus also spotlighted Sossusvlei, famed for its striking red sand dunes located in the southern Namib Desert. Visitors can climb the towering dunes, including the iconic “Big Daddy,” for panoramic views of the dramatic desert landscape.
Another major highlight is the Fish River Canyon, the largest canyon in Africa and a top destination for adventure tourism. Its rugged terrain attracts hikers from across the world, offering one of the most challenging and scenic trails in Southern Africa.
She further underscored the uniqueness of the Namib Desert—considered the oldest desert in the world—where the Atlantic Ocean meets vast stretches of arid land. The region also offers cultural immersion experiences with Namibia’s indigenous communities, providing insight into their traditional lifestyles.
Providing context, Matheus noted that Namibia, with a population of about three million people and a landmass of over 824,000 square kilometres, ranks among the largest countries globally. The country enjoys approximately 300 days of sunshine annually, with a rainy season from January to June and a dry season from July to December—conditions that support year-round tourism.
According to 2024 data, Namibia recorded over 1.44 million tourist arrivals, with tourism remaining a key pillar of its economy.
The ATICA event also featured the recognition of key contributors to the tourism sector. Namibia’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Walde Ndevashiya, received an award for his role in strengthening diplomatic and tourism ties, while veteran travel journalist Frank Meke was honoured as Outstanding Tourism Media Personality of the Year.
The 2026 edition of ATICA drew support from several organisations, including the Namibia High Commission to Nigeria and travel technology firm FlyPro, alongside industry players such as Passport Monie, Bertab Journeys Limited, Between Travels & Tours Limited, and the Universal School of Aviation.
Founded by Ambassador Emmanuel Ossai, ATICA continues to position itself as a platform for promoting Africa’s tourism and hospitality industries on the global stage. This year’s theme, “Unlocking Africa’s Tourism Potentials through Collaborations,” resonated strongly with participants.
Chairperson of the ATICA Board of Trustees, Pastor Chinyere Umeasiegbu, emphasised the need for collective action across the continent.
“Africa is richly endowed—our culture, heritage, and landscapes are unmatched. But potential alone is not enough; it must be activated through collaboration,” she said.
Also speaking at the event, Managing Director of Topaz Travels & Tours Limited and former NANTA President, Susan Akporaiye, delivered a keynote lecture on tourism as a driver of route expansion. She advocated for stronger policy frameworks and deeper regional integration to boost intra-African travel.
Akporaiye called for the implementation of a continent-wide visa regime similar to the Schengen model, alongside improved connectivity through rail, road, and air transport systems. She also highlighted the importance of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), describing it as critical to enhancing competition, reducing travel barriers, and stimulating tourism growth.
“African tourism’s future rests on our willingness and determination to work together. Our diversity is not a weakness—it is our greatest strength and the reason Africa stands out globally,” she said.
As discussions at ATICA 2026 made clear, stakeholders are increasingly aligning around a shared vision: transforming Africa’s tourism potential into tangible economic growth through strategic partnerships and regional cooperation.