Botswana is poised to experience a boost in its tourism and business sectors due to an expansion of direct flight connections from South Africa, according to researchers at Business Monitor International (BMI).
As regional travel recovers post-pandemic, key players in the aviation industry are capitalising on the opportunity to enhance cross-border mobility and strengthen ties between the two neighboring countries. Air Botswana has recently announced a major route network expansion, adding and reinstating several destinations. New routes will include flights from Kasane to Cape Town, Maun to Cape Town, Kasane to KMIA, and Kasane to Windhoek.
BMI projects that in 2024, arrivals to Botswana from South Africa will fully recover and surpass pre-pandemic levels from 2019, building on a gradual rebound observed between 2022 and 2023. The researchers forecast continued expansion in arrivals from 2024 to 2028, driven by increased flight networks and tourism promotion strategies.
In 2024, South African arrivals to Botswana are expected to grow by 58.6 percent year-on-year, reaching approximately 535,910, up from 337,830 in 2023. This figure represents a full recovery, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 522,320 recorded in 2019. Over the medium term, BMI predicts that arrivals will rise to 865,270 by 2028, reflecting an annual average growth rate of 22.0 percent year-on-year.
South Africa remains a major source market for Botswana, owing to the geographical proximity and Botswana’s attractive tourism offerings, which include nature, safari, and outdoor adventure activities. BMI highlights that increasing flight networks and relatively low barriers to entry will enhance convenience for tourists, business travelers, and residents, facilitating easier access to Botswana.
On August 7, 2024, South Africa-based airline Airlink announced plans to introduce direct flights between Cape Town and Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Botswana. The new service, which will commence on April 1, 2025, will operate three times a week.
BMI anticipates increased bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Botswana in the short-to-medium term, which is expected to drive up arrivals. Additionally, Botswana is expected to promote its tourism offerings to emerging major source markets, diversifying and strengthening its traveler base to support continued growth.
