12 December 2025
Botswana is making significant strides to enhance its tourism sector with the introduction of a new Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) policy, a focus on MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events, and improved air connectivity.
These initiatives, as outlined by Keitumetse Setlang, CEO of the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), are designed to position the country as a leader in sustainable tourism while increasing its appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
Speaking at the 2025 AirlinePros Global Conference in Cape Town, Setlang highlighted the importance of tourism for Botswana’s economy, which is heavily dependent on the country’s unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. The new policy and infrastructure upgrades aim to foster long-term tourism growth, boost visitor numbers, and strengthen Botswana’s international tourism presence.
Sustainability takes centre stage in Botswana’s tourism strategy
A significant aspect of the country’s tourism reform is the updated CBNRM policy, which was recently approved by the Botswana parliament. The policy is designed to ensure that local communities directly benefit from the country’s natural resources, including wildlife and eco-tourism offerings, while preserving the country’s pristine environments for future generations.
Setlang emphasised that the government’s approach to tourism is centred on sustainability and conservation, ensuring that tourism practices align with the long-term protection of Botswana’s unique ecosystems.
The CBNRM policy aims to create an ecosystem where both communities and wildlife thrive, and revenue generated from tourism activities can be reinvested into conservation and infrastructure projects.
Botswana’s abundant wildlife, including the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and the Makgadikgadi Pans, attracts nature lovers, photographers, and eco-tourists. By enhancing the benefits that local communities receive from tourism, Botswana hopes to foster greater stewardship and active participation in conservation efforts.
MICE Tourism: A growing focus for Botswana
Botswana is also expanding its focus on MICE tourism—an increasingly important segment for the country. The announcement of AviaDev Africa, a premier route development forum, which will be hosted in Botswana in June 2026, signals the country’s growing prominence as a destination for international business events.
Setlang noted that the country has the necessary infrastructure, space, and services to host global meetings, conferences, and incentive travel events.
The development of new convention facilities and the upgrade of existing venues are central to this strategy, ensuring that Botswana can meet global standards for business tourism.
Botswana is already home to several major event venues, and the upcoming projects will add more capacity to host international events. The investment in MICE infrastructure, coupled with the country’s natural beauty and appeal as a luxury destination, positions Botswana as an ideal location for business and leisure travelers seeking unique and exclusive experiences.
Enhancing air connectivity for tourism growth
Air connectivity is a crucial component of Botswana’s tourism strategy. Setlang highlighted the recent successes in increasing flight options to Botswana, noting the arrival of South African Airways, which now offers flights from Gaborone to Johannesburg, and the increased frequency of flights by Ethiopian Airlines and South African Airlink to key destinations such as Maun. These improvements are helping make Botswana more accessible for international travellers.
The country aims to further increase its flight connections and direct routes into Botswana, with plans to work closely with global airlines to expand access from key tourism markets.
Direct flights will improve accessibility for tourists wishing to visit the country’s national parks and attractions, enhancing its attractiveness as a vacation destination.
The introduction of FlyNamibia and ProFlight services also adds to the growing network of regional airlines operating in and around Southern Africa, connecting Botswana to other major cities and tourism hubs across the continent.
Boosting sports tourism and cultural experiences
Beyond wildlife tourism, Botswana is tapping into sports tourism as a significant growth area. The country’s involvement in hosting major sporting events such as the Makgadikgadi Epic, the Kalahari Challenge, and the revived Desert Race is attracting international attention. These events have become key attractions, drawing sports enthusiasts and tourists eager to experience Botswana’s vast desert landscapes and rugged terrain.
In addition to sports, Botswana is expanding its tourism offerings to include lifestyle experiences that showcase the country’s vibrant cultural scene. Through partnerships with the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and collaborations with local artists, the country is promoting its rich traditions in music, dance, and art. The rise of global sports figures, such as track and field sensation Letsile Tebogo, has also contributed to Botswana’s growing visibility on the international stage, strengthening its appeal as a multifaceted tourism destination.
A vision for sustainable tourism and economic growth
The government of Botswana is committed to promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both the environment and the local communities. By continuing to prioritise eco-friendly practices and supporting local businesses through tourism, Botswana is creating a framework that will support its long-term tourism growth.
The efforts to diversify tourism offerings through MICE, sports, and cultural experiences, alongside the improved air access, are expected to contribute to the country’s goal of increasing arrivals by 10% in 2026. With the long-term vision of doubling visitor numbers within five years, Botswana’s tourism industry is set to experience significant growth while preserving the natural landscapes that make it unique.
Conclusion
Botswana’s tourism sector is entering a new phase, with a clear focus on sustainability, infrastructure development, and international partnerships. The combination of efforts to enhance MICE tourism, increase air connectivity, and promote sports tourism positions Botswana as a leading destination for both business and leisure travellers. With a growing number of visitors and continued investment in the sector, Botswana is on track to strengthen its role as a prominent destination in Southern Africa.
Source: https://url-shortener.me/31WE
