Tourism destinations across the globe open

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEKThe number of destinations closed to international tourism across the globe continues to fall, as countries slowly open their borders again. According to the eighth edition of the United Nations’ World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) travel restrictions report, 70% of all global destinations have eased restrictions on travel introduced in response to the coronavirus pandemic.Only 27% of all destinations worldwide continue to keep their borders completely closed to international tourists, while 3% have lifted all travel restrictions.The report, launched by the UNWTO at the start of the pandemic, keeps track of measures being taken in 217 destinations worldwide, helping to support the mitigation and recovery of the tourism sector. 152 destinations openIn the latest edition, the methodology has been updated to offer insights into the tourism flows of destinations as well as to explore the link between health and hygiene infrastructure, environmental performance and any potential connection to travel restrictions.The report showed that as of 1 November, 152 destinations have eased restrictions on international travel, including Namibia.This is up from the 115 destinations recorded on 1 September.Four destinations have lifted all restrictions to international travellers. They are Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Turkey.Meanwhile, 59 destinations have kept their borders closed to tourists. Better health, hygieneLooking further into current coronavirus-related travel restrictions, the report shed new light on factors connecting destinations which have eased restrictions and those where borders remain closed. It found that destinations with higher scores in health and hygiene indicators as well as on the environmental performance index are among those which have eased restrictions faster.In comparison, destinations choosing to keep their borders closed tend to be within emerging economies with relatively low scores in health and hygiene indicators and environmental performance index. Welcome backNamibia reopened its borders on 1 September, welcoming international tourists back into the country through the Hosea Kutako International Airport. Several scheduled airlines have resumed flights to the country, and six of Namibia’s land borders have also reopened.All international travellers arriving in Namibia are required to present a negative PCR test result from their country of departure not older than 72 hours. This test is not required for children under the age of five.

Tourism destinations across the globe open

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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Tourism destinations across the globe open

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Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

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