27 Apr 2026

The tourism industry captains have been implored to perfect their operations to ensure the sector remains resilient, relevant and highly competitive.

The call was made by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi when addressing community based organisations (CBOs) and tourism operators in Maun during a meet and greet session recently, noting that the government had identified tourism as an engine of economic growth and as such, they should embrace change in terms of doing business.

The industry, he said, had the potential to turn around the current economic situation as it contributed significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).  He was of the view that if the industry captains did things right, they could increase investment and eventually grow the economy and create more employment opportunities.

While reaffirming the government’s commitment to facilitate the industry to reach the target set for the sector, the minster said through dialogue, partnerships and advising each other, they could turn the industry around and advance Botswana’s tourism agenda.

“We do appreciate that you have invested millions in your operations but you should understand that the spirit of good governance is essential in sustainable tourism, as it allows open communication, build trust and capacity, enhancing tourism management.” 

Mr Mmolotsi also noted that as the government strives to attract more investment, efforts were ongoing to restore investor certainty and confidence citing that his ministry was working closely with other relevant ministries to ensure lease renewals were not a challenge as they wanted potential investors to invest freely.

Furthermore, he acknowledged that Botswana was celebrated across the world as a sanctuary of nature, culture, and resilience and that its high-value, low-volume tourism model had served the country well.

“It has protected our ecosystems, safeguarded our biodiversity services, and preserved the exclusivity and integrity of our tourism offering.

That is an achievement we must acknowledge with pride but we must also recognise a simple truth; the world is changing, and so must we. Markets are changing, visitor expectations are changing and climate realities are changing,” he said.

The ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary Ms Abigail Khumoyame highlighted that the country’s tourism was often regarded as the envy in the world because of its model that prioritised conservation and emphasised the need to continue safeguarding the resources.

She emphasised the need to strengthen collaborative relations with the ministry and all stakeholders

Transformation mechanisms, she said were underway to grow the sector saying they could achieve that through the industry players support and contribution.

The newly elected Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) chairman, Mr Lawrence Lecha appealed to the ministry to accelerate efforts towards tackling pertinent issues that impeded the industry’s smooth operation and growth.

He cited issues of lease renewal, VAT rates saying they threatened the industry competitiveness as the country was losing a lot of business due to relocation of agents to neighbouring countries.

Botswana Guides Association chairperson, Mr Kenson Kgaga decried delay in change of land use saying some people wanted to venture into tourism enterprises to create job opportunities but their efforts were in vain as Tawana Land Board took ages to respond to applications.

He also appreciated the ministry positive response to temporarily suspend the newly proposed park fees following their concerns saying that would help in attracting more travellers and selling the country’s products offered.

Kgosi Johane Ngwengare of Phuduhudu urged the ministry to develop a structure of communication at the district level saying that could help enhance effective governance in CBOs. ends