Tourism must benefit local communities – Gaolathe
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Wednesday January 28, 2026 06:00
Addressing the Tourism Pitso, which attracted hundreds of delegates from the tourism industry and relevant stakeholders over the weekend, Gaolathe highlighted the need for communities living near wildlife habitats to have access to basic services like clean water and medical services.
'Some communities have lived their entire life surrounded by the beauty that draws tourists from across the globe. Tourism must not be a spectacle enjoyed by a few whilst neighbouring communities remain on the margins,” he said.
He added that justice should not only be written in policy but must be reflected in the lived experiences of local people.
Gaolathe mentioned government reforms aimed at ensuring tourism benefits citizens.
These include the Community-Based Natural Resources Act, passed in 2025, which empowers communities to partner with the government in developing the tourism industry, he added.
He also said that the Tourism Act of 2009 is being reviewed to optimise operational efficiencies and align with international best practices.
According to Gaolathe, plans are underway to increase tourism-related jobs from 58,000 to over 100,000 by 2030, with the tourism contribution to GDP expected to grow from 5.1 percent to eight percent by 2033.
'When fully implemented, this plan is expected to grow tourism-supported jobs and contribute significantly to our economy,' he said.
The Vice President stressed that tourism should be a source of dignity for local people, and Botswana aims to be a model of ethical tourism and sustainable growth.
'Let us ensure that the beauty of our landscapes is matched by the wellbeing of the people who live near them,' he added.
Gaolathe highlighted the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and NDP12, emphasising a clear vision to deepen citizen participation in the economy, strengthen collaborations, and build inclusive growth.
Tourism is one of the six economic priority sectors identified by BETP, he added.
The National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, running up to 2033, focuses on increasing tourist arrivals, tourism contribution to GDP, and length of stay. The strategy has six primary objectives, including increasing tourism-related jobs.
Gaolathe emphasised that tourism is more than just an industry in Botswana and is a pillar of socio-economic transformation.
'As we embark on executing BETP and NDP12, ours is a clear vision to deepen citizen participation in the economy and build inclusive growth at all levels,' he said.
He added that the Tourism Pitso provides an opportunity to reflect on responsibilities as custodians of a national legacy.
Gaolathe, therefore, urged stakeholders to ensure that tourism benefits are shared equitably and the sector contributes to the wellbeing of local communities.
The just-ended Tourism Pitso was held under the theme 'Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Growth through Partnerships'.