Gaolathe’s Call: Tourism Must Deliver Dignity, Opportunity, and Growth
Botswana’s Vice President, Ndaba Gaolathe, has officially launched Tourism Pitso 2026, a national dialogue on the future of tourism, held in Francistown from January 22–23. The gathering comes at a pivotal moment for Botswana, as global travel trends shift and the country advances its broader economic transformation agenda.
Tourism as a Catalyst for Transformation
In his keynote address, Vice President Gaolathe stressed that the theme “Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Growth through Partnerships” represents a national commitment rather than a slogan. He positioned tourism as a strategic pillar for inclusive growth, job creation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment, aligning with the Botswana Economic Transformation Programme (BETP) and National Development Plan 12.
He emphasized the importance of:
- Deepening citizen participation in the tourism value chain
- Strengthening partnerships across sectors
- Reducing value leakages and retaining benefits within the domestic economy
- Enhancing competitiveness and ensuring long-term sustainability
Reform and Investment Priorities
The Vice President highlighted ongoing reforms and investments designed to reposition tourism as a driver of diversification. These include:
- Policy and legislative reviews
- Development of Tourism Development Areas
- Infrastructure upgrades
- Heritage preservation initiatives
Central to his message was a call for shared responsibility between government, the private sector, communities, and development partners to ensure tourism delivers dignity, opportunity, and tangible benefits for those living alongside Botswana’s tourism assets.
A Call to Action
Declaring the Pitso officially open, Gaolathe urged delegates to embrace honest dialogue, bold decisions, and collective action. His vision is for a tourism sector that is resilient, inclusive, and ethically grounded—one that not only attracts visitors but also empowers communities and strengthens Botswana’s place in the global travel landscape.
Editorial Note (More Cream Than Coffee):
Tourism Pitso 2026 signals Botswana’s intent to harness tourism as a cornerstone of economic transformation. With Francistown hosting this landmark dialogue, the city itself is positioned as a stage for Botswana’s evolving tourism narrative—where policy, partnerships, and people converge to shape a sustainable future.
