Botswana’s review of its 2009 Tourism Act should modernise the country’s tourism framework without weakening its internationally recognised high-value, low-volume safari model, according to industry stakeholders.
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has launched a nationwide consultation process to review the legislation, saying it no longer reflects current tourism realities.
Speaking to Tourism Update, Jao Reserve MD Martin Kays said the review was timely and necessary.
“Botswana’s tourism sector has evolved significantly over the past 15 years, particularly in areas such as technology, sustainability standards, air access, regional travel and changing visitor expectations. While the foundations of the current Tourism Act have served the country well, a modernised framework can help ensure that Botswana remains competitive while preserving the qualities that have made it one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.”
While the ministry has highlighted sustainability, digital transformation and regional integration as priorities, Kays said operators will benefit from greater digitisation of licensing, permitting and regulatory processes as well as better alignment between tourism, immigration, aviation and transport policies, continued investment in aviation connectivity and clear sustainability frameworks that reward responsible operators.
“Reducing administrative complexity while maintaining robust standards would improve efficiency across the sector,” added Kays.
Diversification without dilution
The review has also raised questions about whether Botswana could broaden its tourism offering to appeal to a wider market while maintaining its premium safari positioning.
Kays believes the country’s high-value model should remain intact but said there is room to diversify.
“Botswana’s premium safari offering should remain protected as it differentiates the country globally. However, there is certainly scope for developing additional products that appeal to a broader market segment, particularly around cultural tourism, domestic tourism, educational travel, adventure travel and regional self-drive experiences.”
He stressed that diversification should not come at the expense of conservation.
“Diversification does not necessarily mean abandoning the high-value model. It means creating additional opportunities for different visitor segments while preserving the country’s flagship safari experience.”
Similarly, Kays said Botswana’s long-standing emphasis on responsible tourism development, conservation-led growth, environmental protection and quality standards should remain central to any revised legislation.
“The country’s emphasis on protecting natural assets, limiting over-development in sensitive areas and maintaining a strong conservation focus has helped create a globally respected tourism brand. These principles should remain central to any revised legislation.”
Kays also welcomed government’s intention to review related legislation covering areas including wildlife conservation, immigration, transport and civil aviation.
“Tourism does not operate in isolation. Visitor experience is influenced by aviation access, visa processes, transport networks, conservation management, investment frameworks and border procedures. Greater coordination across these sectors can improve competitiveness, reduce friction for travellers and make Botswana easier to access while maintaining the high standards expected of the destination.”
The review also presents an opportunity to strengthen citizen participation in tourism, Kays added.
“One area that deserves particular attention is the continued empowerment of citizen-owned tourism businesses. World-class tourism experiences can be developed, owned and managed locally while maintaining the highest conservation standards. Supporting citizen participation across ownership, management, guiding, sales, marketing and supply chains ensures that tourism benefits remain within the country and directly contribute to long-term economic development.”
