Spatial Patterns and Problems in Contemporary Namibian Tourism

Abstract

The emerging and rapidly expanding Namibian tourism sector has been influenced by core-periphery relationships at both the regional (i.e. South African dominated) and local (Namibian white elite) scale. Namibian tourism space accordingly consists of: an inner core incorporating the capital and primate city of Windhoek; an outer core, which corresponds to the White-controlled commercial lands and contains most of the formal economy and accommodations beyond Windhoek; a state-controlled periphery of nature reserves, which are important attractions for ecotourists; and a communal periphery which harbours a large proportion of the Black population, but almost no tourism services or activity. Even as Namibia moves increasingly toward a non-consumptive wildlife-based tourism sector, government policies of 'national reconciliation', an open investment climate and privatization ensure continued control by the local and international (mainly South African) core, and thus the spatial dichotomy between the commercial core and the communal periphery is perpetuated. Such a situation could eventually lead to widespread unrest among poor Blacks, which would threaten the viability of the tourism sector.