The newly elected Chairperson of the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB), Lawrence Lecha, has issued an urgent appeal to the government to address a mounting list of systemic hurdles that are currently stifling the tourism sector.
Addressing a meeting of tourism operators officiated by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, Lecha warned that the industry’s recovery and growth are being hampered by critical issues ranging from deteriorating infrastructure and restrictive tax policies to air connectivity gaps and land lease delays.
A primary concern raised was the dire state of accessibility within the Moremi Game Reserve. Lecha noted that while the industry is not calling for tarred roads, the current lack of maintenance is “killing” mobile safari operators who are struggling to transport guests to their camps. Furthermore, the persistent flooding of existing campsites has prompted a plea for the Ministry to facilitate a move to higher ground. Lecha urged the government to allocate alternative sites on floodplains to ensure business continuity for those currently displaced by water.
The fiscal environment also came under fire, with Lecha describing Value Added Tax (VAT) on external bookings as a “thorn in the flesh” for local operators. He warned that Botswana risks losing significant business to regional competitors like Kenya and South Africa, where tax structures and ease of booking are more attractive to international agents.
On the operational front, Lecha called for greater flexibility and coordination from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP). He highlighted a lack of boat stations in areas like Khwai, contrasting it with the more established private jetties in Kasane, and urged the department to ease strict regulations that limit water-based tourism activities.
Beyond the parks, the association emphasized the need for a total overhaul of air access and visa requirements. Lecha argued that improving flight connectivity and extending the permitted length of stay for visitors is essential if the country hopes to encourage tourists to explore more remote parts of Botswana.
Responding to these concerns, Minister Mmolotsi assured the association that the government is actively seeking solutions. He acknowledged that air access is currently “problematic” and confirmed that a dedicated committee is working to attract more carriers to the country to stem the loss of potential business.
Regarding the visa crisis, Mmolotsi stated that the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs is working “day and night” to streamline processes. He also addressed the long-awaited Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) strategy, explaining that while a plan has been crafted, it requires a shift toward a more sustainable funding model that does not rely solely on government expenditure.
While the Minister expressed optimism that “new thinking” would soon resolve land lease issues, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks offered a more restrained outlook on infrastructure. DWNP Director Moemi Batshabang noted that while boating is allowed under strict safety guidelines, current management plans prevent the allocation of new permanent boat stations at this time.
