Botswana has officially launched its Tourism Satellite Account (TSA) for the 2019–2024 period, a development expected to transform how the country measures, plans and invests in the tourism sector.
Speaking at the launch in Maun, the Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) vice chairperson said the TSA will provide critical data on tourism’s contribution to the economy, including its impact on GDP, employment and visitor expenditure.
He said the tourism industry has for years faced challenges due to gaps in reliable and updated data, which affected policymaking, investment decisions and long-term planning.
The HATAB vice chairperson described the TSA as a strategic tool that will strengthen advocacy for greater support and investment in tourism while enabling Botswana to benchmark its performance against global standards.
HATAB has pledged continued collaboration with government and other stakeholders to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the sector.
The association said the availability of accurate tourism data will help create evidence-based policies, support local operators and reduce uncertainty for investors.
The launch was held in Maun, a tourism hub that reflects both the opportunities and challenges facing Botswana’s tourism industry.