Botswana’s Tourism Fees Are Getting a Makeover — And Operators Have a Seat at the Table
Change is coming to Botswana’s tourism and environment sectors — and this time, the government wants everyone in the room before decisions are made.
Botswana’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Wynter Mmolotsi, is currently leading an extensive consultation process with tourism operators on a proposed review of user fees and service charges across the sector. The message from the Minister is clear: this isn’t a top-down directive — it’s a conversation.
Why Now?
The review is long overdue. Many of Botswana’s tourism and environment user fees have remained unchanged for decades — untouched despite rising inflation, increasing operational costs, and growing conservation demands.
The fee review forms part of a broader government-wide modernisation initiative that kicked off in 2024, aimed at bringing outdated charges in line with today’s economic realities. The goal isn’t simply to raise revenue — it’s to build a fee structure that is fair, affordable, and fiscally sustainable for both operators and the government.
More Than a Review — A Transformation
Speaking at a recent consultation meeting, Minister Mmolotsi drew an important distinction: “This process is not transactional — it is transformational.”
He underscored Government’s commitment to participatory governance, transparency, and shared decision-making — acknowledging that tourism operators and environment stakeholders are not just affected parties, but essential voices in shaping policy that will define the sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term growth of Botswana’s tourism sector.
A Phased Approach: No One Left Behind
Rather than rushing the process, the government is taking a deliberate, phased approach:
- ✅ Tourism stakeholder consultations — currently ongoing
- 📅 Environment sector consultations — scheduled to continue on 26 February 2026
This structured rollout is designed to allow adequate space for dialogue, clarity, and consensus-building — ensuring that every voice is heard before any decisions are finalized.
What This Means for Botswana’s Tourism Future
Botswana has long been celebrated for its high-value, low-volume tourism model — a strategy that prioritizes quality experiences and conservation over mass tourism. Getting the fee structure right is critical to maintaining that balance.
A well-calibrated review could:
- Strengthen conservation funding without overburdening operators
- Support sustainable tourism growth by aligning costs with real-world economics
- Build trust between government and the private sector
- Keep Botswana competitive as a premier African safari destination
The Bottom Line
Botswana is setting a strong example of what responsible, inclusive policymaking looks like in practice. By bringing operators and stakeholders into the process early — and committing to transparency every step of the way — the government is signaling that Botswana’s tourism future will be built together.
For tourism operators, conservationists, and travelers alike, this is a development worth watching closely.
