…as govt secures investment to boost destinations
Moroke Sekoboto
THE national tourism sector continues to assert itself as a key economic driver, generating over M562 million from accommodation, food, and beverages in the 2025/26 financial year, despite a slight decline in visitor arrivals.
Addressing Parliament this week, Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, Motlatsi Maqelepo, said the revenue marked an improvement from the M541 million recorded the previous year, indicating higher spending per visitor among the 787,000 tourists recorded.
Visitor numbers, however, declined from a peak of over 900,000 in the 2024/25 financial year, which coincided with the country’s 200th anniversary celebrations. Mr Maqelepo attributed the drop largely to an 18 percent decline in arrivals from South Africa, Lesotho’s primary source market, citing ongoing border management challenges.
“For the financial year 2025/26, we attracted 787,000 visitors. After COVID-19, in 2022/23, we welcomed 541,000 visitors. This increased to 705,940 in 2023/24, and rose sharply to over 900,000 in 2024/25 before declining slightly this year,” Mr Maqelepo said.
“2024 was a special year due to the bicentennial celebrations, which boosted visitor numbers. However, we aim to reach one million visitors annually. The decline in arrivals from South Africa, our main source market, is likely linked to border management challenges.
“To drive growth and reach the one-million-visitor target, the government has secured significant private sector investments through the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) to upgrade key tourist destinations.
“Among the projects is the Qalo Wellness Resort, a flagship M500 million five-star hotel and villa development expected to create 270 operational jobs. Other developments include the M34 million Waterfall Resort at Maletsunyane, which will feature 27 units and accommodate up to 60 guests, creating 100 permanent jobs and 300 during construction.”
He said additional projects included the M13 million Kome Holiday Resort, expected to employ 70 people, and a new Visitors Comfort Facility at Semonkong comprising 10 chalets and at least 20 jobs.
“We are mandated to attract investment into the tourism sector,” Mr Maqelepo said.
He said the events sector was also contributing significantly to tourism revenue. Flagship events such as the Maletsunyane Braai Festival and the Roof of Africa generated M21 million, up from M15 million previously.
“We also host other events such as LETOFE, the Moshoeshoe Walk, and Cleketseng, which continue to generate revenue,” he said.
Meanwhile, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure local communities benefit from tourism growth, particularly in Polihali, where activity is currently increasing. Mr Maqelepo said training programmes targeting crafters, tour guides, and homestay operators had been introduced to promote grassroots participation in the sector.
“In Polihali, where tourism activity is growing, we have shifted towards active tourism by equipping local communities with skills to participate meaningfully in the industry,” Mr Maqelepo said.
