The Impact of Tourism Development on the Local Communities in Namibia

Abstract

This article aims to identify and explain the current challenges being faced due to the impact of tourism development on the local communities in Namibia. The State touts Tourism’s socio-cultural benefits through its respective line ministries as highly significant towards the development and economic growth, as articulated in the current National Development Plan (NDP5). ”… The tourism industry is an important contributor to the generation of foreign exchange earnings, investments, revenue, employment, rural development, poverty reduction, and the growth of the country’s economy. Tourism also creates substantial direct and peripheral benefits because of its multiplier effect, based on its reliance on widespread supplies and services” ((NPC), 2017). The Foreign-exchange earnings and balance of payment benefits derived from tourism receipts are considered a double-edged sword. The money spent by tourists in the Namibian economy is significant. Tourism can have both negative and positive impacts on the local community. This desk research found an appalling concern for many developing countries to over-depend on tourism to pursue economic growth and development. It is argued that this serves as a demonstration of how tourism development elevates the prices related to real estate and general costs of goods and services, which eventually leads to inflation. Finally, we assume that self-efficacy positively influences the involvement of local communities in tourism development which has positive implications on their quality of life regarding social and economic bearings. Additionally, local communities should be more supportive and instead have a positive attitude towards tourism development, thus resulting in a more profitable tourism sector. In concluding, the authors viewed that the government should also ensure that the local people are well informed about the importance of tourism, how it impacts economic development and the realization of a sustainable tourism strategy for Namibia.