18 Nov 2025

The Botswana Tourism Organisation Act of 2009 is the guiding and governing instrument for the appointment of board members and Section 5 of the act provides for the appointment of nine members who serve as a governing body of the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO).

Answering a question from Chobe MP, Mr Simasiku Mapulanga in Parliament on November 13, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said the members who comprised of the chairperson, vice chairperson, a representative of the ministry responsible for tourism and six members drawn from the public and private sector, should had the skills, experience and competencies relevant to the tourism industry.

Mr Mmolotsi said the act did not stipulate that the members appointment should be from major tourism districts but rather, on experience and competencies relevant to the sector.

The criteria for appointment of BTO board members was guided by the BTO Act of 2009 and consultations were done internally within government approved structures, Mr Mmolotsi said, further explaining that the main focus was on people with the skills and knowledge to drive the growth of the tourism sector, as well as ensure that BTO governance structures were in compliance with international standards of similar organisations.

“This is complaint to the standard practice in government, for appointment of board members to serve in parastatals,” said Mr Mmolotsi.

He therefore, informed Parliament that the ministry was not intending to review the board structure at the moment.

Mr Mapulanga wanted to know why there was no inclusion of representatives from major tourism districts, namely Chobe, Ngamiland, and Okavango in the new board appointments and the criteria and consultation process that was used in the selection of the members

He further inquired on how the board composition reflected the diverse needs and aspirations of the tourism sector across the country, especially the communities whose livelihoods depended on tourism, and if the minister would consider reviewing the current structure of the board, to ensure balanced regional representation in line with principles of inclusive development and decentralisation. BOPA