- this includes, lease renewals of tourism concessions, inadequate tourism infrastructure
Much to the delight of the sector and industry captains, the minister of environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi has revealed that in their efforts to unlock new opportunities in the tourism sector, they are addressing some of the long-standing challenges which has been an impediment to the growth of the industry.
Some of these challenges include, lack of up-to-date tourism statistics, lease renewals of tourism concessions, inadequate tourism infrastructure, the need for enhanced skills and service excellence, growing pressure on ecosystems as well as rising global demand for sustainable, authentic experiences.
Speaking at the 2025 Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) Annual Conference this week, Mmolotsi revealed that they are reviewing key tourism legislation, including the Tourism Act of 2009, to streamline licensing and foster a more investor-friendly environment. In addition, the Forest Act (1968) he said is also being reviewed.
“My Ministry is also in the process of tabling the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Bill in the winter session of Parliament to enact it into law to strengthen community involvement in tourism.”
He added that government have amended the Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act (2023) which will empower anti-poaching personnel to carry appropriate firearms to combat poaching activities in the country.
He added that the Ministry has opened four routes in the riverfront at Chobe National Park to accommodate tourists adding that five new game view routes will be opened this year to further spread tourists along the riverfront so that they do not concentrate in one area. Furthermore, the Ministry is working on opening roads in low-density tourism zones such as Nogatshaa-Zweezwee to further attract tourists to other parts of Chobe National Park.
“Bridges in Moremi Game Reserve are not in good condition, as well as tourist roads within our protected areas. To improve accessibility, we have prioritised road maintenance in protected areas to ensure safer travel for tourists and our tour operators.,” Mmolotsi added.
The ministry also recently opened the Sedudu-Ngoma transit route 24 hours round the clock, an initiative that will not only facilitate free movement of communities but also hope ease the movement of tourists.
Meanwhile, Mmolotsi has indicated that is ministry, in conjunction with the ministry of lands and Agriculture, are finalising the renewal of tourism concession leases. “Bear with us for the delay, and we are aware of your frustrations, but we are doing everything in our power to ensure the leases are renewed by end of June 2025.”
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Ministry of State President are engaging with a view to finding a long-term solution to the local per diem that will be beneficial to the industry. This as the implementation of the policy has resulted revenue declines and operational challenges, such as civil servants negotiating reduced room rates and sharing accommodations.
As for management of campsites in our protected areas, Mmolotsi acknowledged that that most, if not all, of them are not in a good state. “To remedy this, we are currently coming up with modalities for the management of these campsites, which you will be notified.”
The 2025 HATAB Annual Conference, which ends today was held under the theme, “Botswana Tourism: Exploring the Conditions for Growth.”
