Cunene: Cunene province received roughly 22,711 national and foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, compared to 9,847 in the same period of 2025, the head of the local tourism department, Custodio Mwenefunlenge, told ANGOP on Thursday.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Mwenefunlenge stated that the data was obtained from the Immigration and Foreigners Services, as well as from accommodation establishments. He noted that due to Cunene's geographical position with other countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), it serves as an entry point for many tourists, particularly through the Santa Clara border. Among the foreign visitors, Namibian, South African, Zambian, Zimbabwean, English, and German nationals were most prevalent, entering the country primarily by land.
Mwenefunlenge clarified that the tourism sector is multifaceted, with visitors not only interested in leisure but also event promotion, commerce, and health. He pointed out challenges faced by the sector, such as a lack of tourist guides and fully functioning agencies, which hinders accurate information gathering about visitors' itineraries. Five years ago, 30 tourist guides were trained, but they are not currently active due to the absence of travel agencies in the province.
He highlighted that despite positive indicators, significant challenges remain, including insufficient human and financial resources, poor access roads, transportation, infrastructure, sanitation, water, and electricity. Ensuring the development of the tourism sector requires improvement in essential services such as roads, hospitals, and security to better accommodate tourists.
Mwenefunlenge emphasized Cunene's vast tourism potential, particularly in cultural aspects with diverse peoples preserving their cultural essence. The province also boasts natural attractions like the Ruacana Falls, Africa's largest baobab tree, and the Epumpa Falls, all of which require greater promotion.
Regarding hospitality, Cunene has 33 lodging units with a capacity exceeding 700 beds, which is sufficient to meet the demand of tourists who choose to stay in the province.
