Park Revenue Generation

Although Iona is known only to the most adventurous of international travellers, the Namib Desert is considered a gem of the country to Angolan nationals and one of the country’s most valued landmarks. Many local tourists and residents of Angola visit Iona to explore the dunes and for its fame as a fishing destination. Iona received a total of 2,620 visitors in 2023, 1,641 (63%) of whom were Angolan nationals, and approximately US$18,361 was earned in revenue, almost tripling that of 2022.

With the addition of 12 gate officers for the three park entrance gates, Iona has seen a marked improvement in receiving visitors, oversight of vehicle movements and entrance/ exit control of tourists, management and reporting of revenue and other data, and knowledge of and adherence to park regulations.

In May 2024 H.E. President João Lourenço of Angola and a high-level ministerial delegation visited Iona National Park to inaugurate the newly-constructed Pediva headquarters, the first permanent operational base of scale to be constructed in the park. This marks a milestone in the revitalisation of the park and in boosting tourism and development in the region.