Environment ministry set to launch spatial tourism master plan in June 2025

By: Ellen Shihepo

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has announced plans to develop a Spatial Tourism Master Plan by June 2025. The plan aims to drive industry diversification and attract new investments. The initiative aligns with the Swapo Party 2024 manifesto.

Newly appointed Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, made the announcement during her first ministerial address on Monday in Windhoek. She said delays in the implementation of decisions will not be tolerated under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s leadership.

She emphasised the removal of bottlenecks and barriers hindering progress to ensure the effective implementation and execution of government policies. ​

The Spatial Tourism Master Plan will prioritise sustainable development by fully operationalising the lotteries and gambling boards to generate revenue for tourism growth.

Speaking on community beneficiation, Daniel highlighted the importance of value addition and increased local participation in the tourism sector so that communities benefit from the country’s natural resources.

“Our communities need to benefit from the country’s natural resources through value addition and greater participation in tourism,” she said.

The minister pledged to fully implement policies on waste management, forestry, wildlife conservation, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection. She said the ministry’s name would remain unchanged.