By Thoboloko Ntšonyane

MASERU – The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the UN agency mandated with promotion of sustainable and universally accessible tourism reports that in 2023, the African continent has recovered 96% of pre-pandemic visitors.

There has been a glimmer of hope for the resurgence of the tourism industry following the nosedive this sector and many others suffered at the outbreak of the COVID-19 in early 2020. From 2022 when normalcy was gradually restored in many sectors, Lesotho tourism industry reportedly began showing promising signs of growth.

The Lesotho Hotels and Hospitality Association (LHHA) President ‘Mamothe Mohapi who is also a key player in the hospitality and tourism industry, pointed out that ongoing infrastructure development such as fixing the streetlights and lighting up the capital Maseru have proved useful in enhancing the visitors experience especially during the night. She also attributed the critical role played by the police to ensuring the safety of the tourists.

It would also be recalled that tourism is one of the key economic priorities which are earmarked in the National Strategic Development Plan (II) as extended for its potential to drive economic growth.

According to the data published by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), the annual ‘Maletsunyane Braai Festival had generated M10.1 million in revenue into the country’s economy.

The other major tourist attraction event that is hosted annually is the Roof of Africa. LTDC also reported that this event which is also held towards the end of the year has attracted revenue in the north of M5 million into the economy having attracted about 1 365 visitors from 11 countries -both in Africa and overseas.

There was no data readily available for the revenue generated by the end of year annual Lesotho Tourism Festival (LETOFE) which is also one of the tourist attraction events in the country.

Also, amongst one of the highlights of the tourism industry in Lesotho was that of the famous Ghanaian travel vlogger and Youtuber, Wodemaya, real name, Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon visit that has been widely celebrated as having a positive impact in the industry. LTDC also joined the chorus to commend his visit, describing it as a “positive and immense exposure and coverage gained for Lesotho’s tourism players….”

In 2024, the Minister of Tourism, Hon Motlatsi Maqelepo said that they are expecting over a million visitors into the country during the 2024/25 financial year. It is not clear how many visitors Lesotho had welcomed in total this past year.

LHHA President stated that the past year has seen a significant improvement compared to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a noticeable increase in visitor numbers to the country.

She noted signs of recovery as tourists who typically visit Clarens began to venture into Lesotho. This rebound, she observed, started gaining momentum in 2022.

Mohapi announced their plans for this year, stating that they would collaborate with the police and the LTDC to address the challenges facing the industry. The LHHA President further emphasised the importance of a sensitisation campaign to educate local communities about the significance of tourism to the country and the potential benefits they can derive from it.

Mohapi highlighted that Lesotho currently imposes a visa fee of $150 about M2 856.35 whereas neighbouring South Africa charges its visitors only $30 (M571.27). She argued that this steep price acts as a deterrent for some tourists, who often choose to limit their travel to South Africa. She urged for a review of this visa fee.

“We aim for the industry to offer exceptional services and for all staff and proprietors to be highly competent,” she stated, adding that they would approach the government to address their demands.