Africa-Press – Lesotho. Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture Hon. Ntlhoi Motsamai has indicated that this year’s theme for Tourism Day: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’ is in line with the government of Lesotho’s policy
which has identified tourism as one of the pillars of economic growth, job creation and poverty eradication as per the National Strategic Development Plan
(NSDPII). Celebrated annually on September 27, World Tourism Day is the global observance fostering
awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the celebration, Motsamai said she continues to invite all sectors of the society to contribute to economic growth through tourism. She continued that the day
provides an opportunity to look back on the management of the tourism industry during the Covid-19 era. “The travel ban led to a long-term closure of tourism
businesses. This long-term closure of the tourism industry has led to a severe deterioration in trade and massive job losses,” she said. The Minister reflected that the ministry made efforts torevitalize the tourism industry by conducting tour guides
development courses in Butha-Buthe, Leribe, Maseru and Quthing districts. They wrote newsletters where they educated Basotho about tourist attraction areas.
“We are pleased to note that the private sector is also actively involved in this
month’s celebrations and the international tourism day. We therefore command the effort, motivation and determination of hospitality traders in this Covid-19
era,” she said. Motsamai continued to say that they are also encouraged by the government’s move to launch Covid-19 vaccine campaign, a move which she says will ensure the safety
of tourists from outside Lesotho. She added that Basotho too are about to visit their tourists resorts in a relaxed atmosphere. Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sehlabaka
Ramafikeng said the biggest challenge facing tourism industry during this pandemic is that events, which are part of tourism, are Covid-19 super spreaders and they hope that if Basotho continue vaccinating, they will be able
to go back to hosting big events as normal. He said that now that restrictions have been relaxed, they are hopeful that the industry will soon improve and get
back to its normal operation. “We are looking forward to having many tourists coming into our country, booking our hotels, lodges and B&Bs as this is going to bring money into the country,” he said.
Ramafikeng encouraged Basotho to produce more local products of good quality to sell to tourists once Covid-19 calms down, saying this will contribute to the revitalization of the tourism industry.
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