Africa-Press – Lesotho. The Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has launched Tourism Month under the theme; “Tourism for
inclusive growth’. Through this official edict, the duo thereby urged Basotho to support local products and make it a habit to visit resorts and places of attraction in an effort to grow tourism sector.
Speaking at the launch, the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture Hon Ntlhoi Motsamai stated that the theme of this year is in line with the downfall of tourism in the presence
of Covid-19, which has affected its businesses negatively and resulted in loss of jobs around the entire sector. She urged Basotho to support each other by
buying local produce and products, in celebration of this month and beyond. She informed that the theme encourages all member countries to do conducive planning in order to reinstate
tourism activities back to normal in the era of Covid-19 pandemic. “The ministry and LTDC urge the nation to contribute in growing and supporting this
sector’s economy by buying local products and produce,” Motsamai implored. “The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has over 40 years marked September as the month by
which all countries worldwide showcase the beauty and value of their culture, all countries focus on educating and creating awareness on the value or importance
of tourism, how to care and make a living out of tourism and developing the entire sector,” Motsamai stated. She added that the main celebration of this
month is on September 27th and the member countries of United Nations (UN) designated Africa to host tourism day in Ivory Coast. Motsamai pointed that LTDC
has already embarked on the mandate by visiting Butha-Buthe district on September 4th, where there was an exhibition of local products for Basotho living around that area.
She added that communities were encouraged to showcase and advertise their products as well as to visit places of attraction in the country. She said there is a series of other activities prepared for this
month. According to LTDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sehlabaka Ramafikeng, the plan is to also develop the sector to attract more tourists when border-gates re-open.
He said this extents to the environment, which ought to be habitable for incoming tourists and for the wellbeing of the entire nation. “We have selected five places grouped in
clusters being Quthing, Makhoarana, Morija combined with Roma, Semonkong and Leribe combined with Butha-Buthe, where we connect and train tourism professionals (tour guides, travelling agents, operators and the likes) with the intention to foster corporation,” Ramafikeng explained.
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