Namibia gets top tourist accolade

NAMIBIA has been chosen as one of the top ten value-for-money destinations for 2011.

Lonely Planet, the influential international travel guide publisher, chose the land of the brave as one of the ‘bargainous bounty of ten budget-friendly destinations where you can get the most bang for your buck’ next year.Namibia was listed fifth after Bangladesh, Nicaragua, Washington DC and Paris.On its website, Lonely Planet explains why Namibia made the cut: ‘Botswana wants big spenders only and South Africa’s not the deal it once was, so southern Africa bargain hunters should head for Namibia. Well set up for backpackers, this is still a territory of US$50 or less a day if you’re careful, with an excellent network of local minibuses and tours aimed at budget travellers to go to places public transport won’t.’ Namibia is also popular amongst those wanting to spend slightly more during their travels, Lonely Planet says. ‘And if you go up a price bracket, you’ll eat and sleep well in excellent value midrange options that bring South Africans flocking over the border year after year.’Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) board chairperson and tourism expert Jackie Asheeke said this achievement shows that Namibia is a force to be reckoned with. ‘It is an indication of the truth – we are a value-for-money destination. Although we do have premier class tourist establishments, our bread and butter is the middle range. It is a wonderful accolade that we should take and tug it into our money belts. That’s money in the pocket right there.’Other destinations on the list after Namibia are the Philippines, Argentina, Naples, Ukraine and Syria.

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