- Government will review, harmonise legal framework to governing tourism strengthe enabling environment
- Boost citizen participation through establishing Tourism Equity Fund and exploring partnerships with private financiers
- Aims to increase the average length of stay by tourists from 6.3 to 7.5 nights and their daily spend from BWP 779 to BWP 994 by 2030
- Targets increasing accommodation capacity to more than 22,000 rooms and 53,000 beds by 2030.
- Employment opportunities are expected to expand from 50,535 to 64,644 jobs within the same period
The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, has declared the country’s tourism sector a ‘national asset’ and assured of government’s commitment to reposition its landscape under the Twelfth National Development Plan (NDP 12) so as to deliver high-impact outcomes.
Presenting the sector’s roadmap under NDP 12, spanning October 2025 to March 2030, Mmolotsi assured that through coordinated efforts across government, private sector, and communities, government will unlock new value chains, stimulate broad-based economic activity, and reinforce Botswana’s identity as a destination of choice.
Mmolotsi outlined strategic vision and transformation agenda for Botswana’s tourism sector as well as the performance framework that will guide implementation, monitor progress and ensure accountability.
Under NDP 12, government will roll out a four-pronged approach focused on strengthening the enabling environment, marketing and branding, product development and diversification, and infrastructure development and support services.
“Government will strengthen the enabling environment by reviewing and harmonising the legal framework governing tourism, streamlining land allocation processes, and enhancing institutional capacity. Key legislation, including the Tourism Act, Botswana Tourism Organisation Act, and Immigration Act, will be modernised to support sector growth.”
To boost citizen participation, the minister revealed that a Tourism Equity Fund will be established and partnerships with private financiers explored to improve access to capital for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. Additionally, the privatisation of wildlife resource management will be considered to enhance efficiency and revenue generation.
Botswana’s global tourism image will also be redefined through enhanced destination marketing and export promotion.
Under product development and diversification, Mmolotsi announced plans to service land in prioritised Tourism Development Areas (TDAs), development of monuments and museums through the support of the private sector, and strategic packaging of mining heritage sites such as Orapa, Jwaneng, and Selebi-Phikwe.
He added that government will also promote agro-tourism through indigenous agricultural experiences, strengthen linkages with manufacturing, and advance the country’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) strategy.
“Under NDP 12, at least 15 new tourism offerings will be developed in the designated Tourism Development Areas. These will include agro-tourism, heritage trails, sports and adventure tourism, creative arts experiences, and niche segments such as aqua¬ tourism and medical tourism.”
Meanwhile, the minister has indicated that the sector’s performance framework under NDP 12 is built around measurable outcomes in five key areas of tourist experience, economic contribution, employment creation, productivity, and product innovation.
Mmolotsi outlined measurable goals, including increasing the average length of stay by tourists from 6.3 to 7.5 nights and daily spend from BWP 779 to BWP 994 by 2030.
“This will be done through improved destination packaging and service excellence and will be driven by the implementation of the National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, supported by investments in wildlife, nature, cultural heritage, and urban experiences.”
The other focus will be on increasing the average spend per day by tourists from BWP 779 of 2019 to BWP 994 by 2030. “This will be achieved through enhanced value offerings, digital booking systems, and targeted marketing strategies that attract high-value visitors.”
Infrastructure upgrades will include expanded air connectivity through long-haul operations for Air Botswana and the improvement of airports in Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone. The government targets increasing accommodation capacity to more than 22,000 rooms and 53,000 beds by 2030.
Tourism’s real value-added growth is also projected to rise from 4.4 percent in 2024 to 6.7 percent, while employment is expected to expand from 50,535 to 64,644 jobs within the same period.
“Every tourist arrival, every job created, and every new experience developed brings us closer to our shared vision of a prosperous, inclusive and globally competitive Botswana,” Mmolotsi said in closing.
If Parliament approves the NDP 12 framework, Botswana’s tourism sector will enter what Mmolotsi described as “a decade of renewal” one aimed at balancing conservation, innovation, and community participation to make tourism a true pillar of national prosperity.
