GABORONE, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Botswana on Thursday reaffirmed its commitment to addressing infrastructure gaps in the tourism sector, viewing them as key to unlocking the industry's full potential.
"The future of Botswana's tourism is bright, and together, we will unlock its full potential," said Botswana President Duma Boko at the opening of the two-day 2025 Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana Annual Conference in Maun in the country's northwestern region.
"We need to wrestle with some of the challenges such as infrastructural shortcomings in the tourism sector, as we seek to grow the industry," he said, noting if properly managed, tourism could one day surpass diamonds in its contribution to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).
Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi echoed the president's sentiments, saying that while tourism remains one of Botswana's most dynamic sectors, longstanding issues such as inadequate infrastructure must be addressed to unlock new opportunities.
Tourism ranks second only to mining in its contribution to our GDP. It creates jobs, uplifts communities, and supports conservation, Mmolotsi said. "Infrastructure is the backbone of tourism. Through collaboration with other (Botswanan) ministries, we are prioritizing road, air, and digital infrastructure that supports the sector."
He highlighted that the recent introduction of new international flight routes has enhanced connectivity and bolstered Botswana's position as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
Botswana's tourism sector has seen significant growth, with international arrivals increasing by 18 percent from 2024 to 2025, according to data Mmolotsi presented during a parliamentary session in March.
According to the Botswana Tourism Industry Outlook 2024-2028, tourism revenue is projected to rise from approximately 334 million U.S. dollars in 2023 to around 399 million dollars by 2028, with an average annual growth rate of 2.8 percent.
