Gaborone — Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Botswana's tourism industry through a comprehensive review of the Tourism Act of 2009.
The review aims to unlock the sector's full potential and strengthen its contribution to economic growth, employment creation and diversification.
Speaking at the Tourism Act review stakeholder consultation in Gaborone recently, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi said the review marked a significant milestone in the development of the tourism sector.
He said it reflected government's commitment to creating a modern and responsive legal framework.
Follow us on WhatsApp | LinkedIn for the latest headlines
Mr Mmolotsi said the review followed the adoption of the National Tourism Policy in 2021 and the subsequent development of the 10-year National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, which provides a roadmap for sustainable growth.
The strategy is anchored on four pillars: creating an enabling environment, strengthening marketing and branding, improving infrastructure and support services, and enhancing product development and diversification.
The NTSMP recommended harmonisation of tourism-related legislation to create an effective legal framework. As a result, the Tourism Act will be the first law to be reviewed, paving the way for reforms to other legislation including the Botswana Tourism Organisation Act, Wildlife Conservation and National Parks Act, National Museums and Relics Act, Forest Act, Civil Aviation Authority Act, Road Transport (Permit) Act and Immigration Act.
"The rationale behind the review is grounded in government's prioritisation of tourism as a key economic growth sector that can contribute significantly to economic diversification and employment creation," Mmolotsi said.
The revised legislation is expected to promote innovation, reduce unnecessary restrictions and improve the ease of doing business in the tourism sector.
Mmolotsi noted that although the Tourism Act has served the country well for more than 15 years, changing global trends and emerging challenges require a modern framework capable of improving Botswana's competitiveness in the international tourism market.
He highlighted tourism's importance to the country's economic diversification agenda, saying the sector occupies a central position in the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme and National Development Plan 12.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
Among the key objectives of the review are increasing citizen participation, strengthening partnerships between communities and the private sector, diversifying tourism products beyond high-end safari experiences, and promoting cultural, heritage, eco-tourism and community-based tourism.
Mr Mmolotsi emphasised the importance of stakeholder engagement, saying consultations would be conducted nationwide before a revised Tourism Bill is presented to Parliament for consideration.
BOPA
