Staff Writer
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism has initiated a nationwide consultation process to review user fees within Botswana’s tourism sector, aiming to make charges more affordable and accessible to people from all walks of life while ensuring the industry remains sustainable.
The consultation exercise, which began with stakeholder engagements in Gaborone last week, seeks to strike a balance between affordability and the rising cost of operating within the sector. Officials say the review is necessary as prices across other sectors continue to increase, placing pressure on tourism operations.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, noted that some of the fees under review have not been updated for decades, with the last revisions dating back to 1996 and 2010.
The minister emphasized that the process is not solely about raising fees but about creating a balanced framework that supports both industry viability and public access.
According to Mmolotsi, the review will help ensure the tourism sector remains relevant, reaches a broader population, and reduces inefficiencies.
Mmolotsi further stated that the engagement was motivated by the need to build a sustainable tourism industry capable of serving more citizens while maintaining operational effectiveness and minimizing waste.
He added that revising the fee structure would help optimize profitability by controlling expenses, strengthening transparency, and ensuring fiduciary compliance across the sector. The review will also allow authorities and businesses to adjust charges to reflect current market values.
Additionally, the process is expected to identify unnecessary expenditures and create opportunities for tourism operators to renegotiate contractual terms, particularly as transaction volumes grow.
Stakeholders from across the tourism value chain, including operators, conservation agencies, and government departments, are expected to participate in the consultations before any final decisions are made.
The ministry says outcomes of the review will guide a modernised fee framework designed to support long-term growth, competitiveness, and inclusivity in Botswana’s tourism industry.
