The Namibia Tourism Board (NTB) has secured a major international tourism accolade after being honoured by Lonely Planet at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London this year. The award recognises Namibia’s inclusion in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2026, a global list highlighting the world’s most compelling destinations for the year ahead.
According to the spokesperson of NTB Flora Quest, this recognition officially affirms Namibia’s exceptional appeal as a premier travel destination for 2026.
She said that as one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities, Lonely Planet selected Namibia for its distinctive signature experiences, dramatic and diverse landscapes, steadfast commitment to conservation, and vibrant cultural heritage.
NTB CEO Sebulon Chicalu said the recognition reflects not only Namibia’s natural and cultural wealth, but a long-term strategy to elevate the country’s status as a world-class destination.
“This is a monumental moment for Namibia,” Chicalu said during the ceremony, where he met Lonely Planet CEO Paul Yanover.
“Being recognised in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is a powerful endorsement of our country’s beauty and our collective effort to promote sustainable and authentic tourism. This award will undoubtedly inspire travellers across the world to experience the magic of Namibia.”
Lonely Planet’s influence is profound. For more than four decades, the brand’s guidebooks and digital platforms have shaped global travel decisions for millions.
Its Best in Travel list is regarded as a barometer for the year’s most outstanding and transformative travel destinations. Inclusion on the list often triggers a measurable shift in international interest, media attention and tourism traffic.
Quest said that for Namibia, the timing could not be more significant.
She said that with global travellers increasingly seeking destinations that combine adventure, nature, conservation and culture, Namibia’s appeal fits squarely with emerging travel trends.
From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert and wildlife-rich Etosha, to community-led conservation projects and vibrant cultural experiences, the country offers the authentic, sustainable travel that today’s tourists crave.
Quest said that armed with this high-profile endorsement, the NTB is moving to leverage the global spotlight to strengthen partnerships, attract new markets and drive momentum into 2026.
Tourism stakeholders expect the recognition to accelerate growth, boost international arrivals and solidify Namibia’s reputation as one of the world’s most captivating and responsible travel destinations, she said.
The Lonely Planet award stands as a defining milestone—one that signals Namibia is not just ready for the world, but ready to lead Africa’s tourism narrative in the year ahead.
According to the spokesperson of NTB Flora Quest, this recognition officially affirms Namibia’s exceptional appeal as a premier travel destination for 2026.
She said that as one of the world’s most trusted travel authorities, Lonely Planet selected Namibia for its distinctive signature experiences, dramatic and diverse landscapes, steadfast commitment to conservation, and vibrant cultural heritage.
NTB CEO Sebulon Chicalu said the recognition reflects not only Namibia’s natural and cultural wealth, but a long-term strategy to elevate the country’s status as a world-class destination.
“This is a monumental moment for Namibia,” Chicalu said during the ceremony, where he met Lonely Planet CEO Paul Yanover.
“Being recognised in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel is a powerful endorsement of our country’s beauty and our collective effort to promote sustainable and authentic tourism. This award will undoubtedly inspire travellers across the world to experience the magic of Namibia.”
Lonely Planet’s influence is profound. For more than four decades, the brand’s guidebooks and digital platforms have shaped global travel decisions for millions.
Its Best in Travel list is regarded as a barometer for the year’s most outstanding and transformative travel destinations. Inclusion on the list often triggers a measurable shift in international interest, media attention and tourism traffic.
Quest said that for Namibia, the timing could not be more significant.
She said that with global travellers increasingly seeking destinations that combine adventure, nature, conservation and culture, Namibia’s appeal fits squarely with emerging travel trends.
From the towering dunes of the Namib Desert and wildlife-rich Etosha, to community-led conservation projects and vibrant cultural experiences, the country offers the authentic, sustainable travel that today’s tourists crave.
Quest said that armed with this high-profile endorsement, the NTB is moving to leverage the global spotlight to strengthen partnerships, attract new markets and drive momentum into 2026.
Tourism stakeholders expect the recognition to accelerate growth, boost international arrivals and solidify Namibia’s reputation as one of the world’s most captivating and responsible travel destinations, she said.
The Lonely Planet award stands as a defining milestone—one that signals Namibia is not just ready for the world, but ready to lead Africa’s tourism narrative in the year ahead.
