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The Minister of Tourism and Environment, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, has called for increased stakeholder engagement and cooperation to drive Botswana’s tourism and hospitality sector forward. Speaking at the second Hospitality and Tourism Education Conference in Southern Africa held at the University of Botswana (UB) on 4th of March 2025, Minister Mmolotsi underscored the importance of partnerships between policymakers, industry leaders and academics in developing the sector.

"It is our collective responsibility as stakeholders to propel the tourism sector to greater heights," he said. He observed that joint efforts in curriculum development, training and operational knowledge would ensure sustainable growth of the industry.

The conference, hosted by UB in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) in Zimbabwe, and the Alliance for African Partnerships, brought together key players in the tourism and hospitality industry including academics, public sector officials, private sector representatives as well as civil society. The discussions focused on strengthening regional partnerships, addressing climate and geopolitical uncertainties besides enhancing industry training to meet global standards.

Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) Chief Executive Officer, Ms Lilly Rakorong, underscored the significance of regional collaboration particularly within the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). She noted that the tourism economy was a key driver for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and called for a unified approach to skill development and industry adaptation.

UB Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Richard Tabulawa, highlighted the role of training in bridging the gap between academia, industry and public service. “For a long time, we have observed a disconnect between these three critical stakeholders despite a shared goal of developing professionals who are well-equipped for the evolving workplace,” he said. Professor Tabulawa added that conferences such as this provide a platform for evaluating training systems, curriculum effectiveness and industry readiness to ensure meaningful and actionable outcomes.

Director of the School of Hospitality Business at Michigan State University, Professor Karthik Namasivayam, encouraged greater collaboration among faculty, industry professionals, and policymakers within SADC and beyond. He stressed the need for real-time data access, improved resource management, and leveraging advanced technology to support the hospitality and tourism industry.