African country beats Japan and New Zealand to be declared 'must-visit' country in 2019

Namibia has won the highly coveted Top Country spot at the recent Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards.
Namibia took the lead ahead of Japan and New Zealand, who secured the second and third position respectively.
The only two African countries that featured in the Top Country category were Namibia and South Africa.

Namibia is the ‘must-visit’ country in 2019.

The country has won the highly coveted Top Country spot at the recent Wanderlust Readers’ Travel Awards, announced at ‘Destinations: The Holiday and Travel Show at Olympia in West Kensington, London, England.

Wanderlust is considered as the must-read magazine for the independently-minded and curious traveller in the United Kingdom.

“Having tracked rhinos there, I can personally testify that Namibia is a success story, with wildlife still flourishing both inside and outside the national parks, really adding to the visitor experience,” said Wanderlust Magazine’s Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lyn Hughes.

Wanderlust Magazine’s Co-founder and Editor-in-Chief, Lyn Hughes Pulse Live Kenya

Namibia took the lead ahead of Japan and New Zealand, who secured the second and third position respectively.

“This is a fantastic achievement for Namibia. Our country has won the highest accolade for adventure travel destinations in the British market. We are even happier since Namibia regained its position as ‘number one’ country, which we previously had secured in 2014,” said Maureen Posthuma, Head of Marketing at the Namibia Tourism Board.

Namib desert meets sea Pulse Live Kenya

The only two African countries that featured in the Top Country category were Namibia and South Africa, with the latter securing the seventh spot.

Windhoek - The Namibia's capital city Pulse Live Kenya

The United Kingdom remains an important source market for Namibia where it stands as the second largest European market for the South African nation. Thousands of British tourists flock into Namibia annually, In 2018, a total of 33,450 United Kingdom tourists - out of a total of 1.4 million international visitors - visited Namibia, and thus it is the second largest European market for Namibia.

“As Namibians, we can be incredibly proud, and indeed also recognise that our country is top class for discerning travellers. As Namibians, we can further stimulate and support our own economy by buying local, and this includes travel services and holidaying in our own beautiful country,” said Bärbel Kirchner, Account Director of Team Namibia.