The 41st edition of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana Annual Conference opened in Maun with a strong call for transformation, as industry leaders, policymakers, and private sector stakeholders gathered to chart the future of Botswana’s tourism sector.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Honoura Wynter Mmolotsi outlined a forward-looking strategy aimed at repositioning tourism for sustained growth and global competitiveness. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to its high-value, low-volume tourism model but stressed the urgent need for diversification to respond to shifting global travel trends and climate pressures.
The minister emphasized the development of integrated tourism circuits that connect Botswana’s wildlife offerings with cultural heritage, urban experiences, and business tourism. According to him, such an approach would not only extend visitor stay but also deepen overall experience and unlock greater economic value across the tourism ecosystem.
Positioning tourism as a central pillar of the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme, Mmolotsi highlighted government targets to increase tourist arrivals, lengthen visitor stays, and stimulate job creation and investment. He acknowledged, however, that structural bottlenecks—particularly around land allocation, infrastructure deficits, and prolonged approval processes—continue to constrain growth, noting that addressing these challenges is critical to accelerating sector performance.
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On data-driven governance, the minister pointed to the recent launch of a national Tourism Dashboard as a major step toward enabling real-time, evidence-based decision-making. He also announced plans for the rollout of a Tourism Satellite Account in July 2026, which will provide a comprehensive, internationally aligned measurement of tourism’s contribution to Botswana’s economy.
In a move to modernize the regulatory framework, Mmolotsi revealed that a review of the Tourism Act of 2009 is underway, with nationwide consultations set to begin immediately. The review aims to align legislation with the sector’s evolving ambitions and global best practices.
Concluding his address, the minister called for stronger collaboration between government, private sector players, and local communities to build a more inclusive, resilient, and future-ready tourism industry capable of competing on the global stage.
