Botswana Strengthens Ecotourism Standards to Align with Global Best Practices. The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) has taken a significant step toward enhancing the country’s ecotourism sector by refining its Ecotourism Certification System (BECS) to meet Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards. In collaboration with Geoflux Consultants, BTO engaged stakeholders in Gaborone to review the draft standards, aiming to strengthen Botswana’s reputation as a sustainable tourism leader.
During the session, BTO Executive Manager Ogopotse Baoleki emphasized that aligning Botswana’s ecotourism framework with international sustainability criteria is key to boosting the country’s global tourism appeal. More importantly, he noted that the initiative reflects Botswana’s commitment to responsible tourism, ensuring that local communities and the environment benefit from the industry’s growth.
The stakeholder engagement process has been a crucial part of developing these improved ecotourism standards. Earlier in the week, a similar consultation took place in Maun, bringing together key industry players to provide insights and recommendations.
Once finalized, the updated standards will be submitted to the Botswana Bureau of Standards Hotels and Related Establishment Technical Committee for review and potential approval as an official Botswana Standard. This move is expected to enhance the credibility of the country’s ecotourism certification system, providing a more structured and recognized approach to sustainability in tourism operations.
By aligning with GSTC guidelines, Botswana aims to attract environmentally conscious travelers and investors, reinforcing its position as a top ecotourism destination in Africa.
