Lesotho Launches Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme to Boost Service Excellence

The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, has officially launched the Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme — a transformative initiative aimed at elevating the quality, competitiveness, and sustainability of the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

The launch event took place yesterday at the LTDC headquarters in Maseru, drawing government officials, tourism stakeholders, and members of the private sector together in a shared vision for a thriving and visitor-focused tourism economy.

Lieketseng Selinyane, Director in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture, described the accreditation and grading initiative as a cornerstone of Lesotho’s promise to deliver world-class service across all regions of the country.

“This is our assurance to tourists — local, regional, and international — that wherever they journey in the Kingdom in the Sky, they will experience services that reflect globally recognised standards of quality, safety, and hospitality,” she said.

Selinyane highlighted that the programme will empower tourism businesses by offering tools, training, and strategic support to help them thrive in a competitive marketplace.

Representing the Lesotho Council for Tourism (LCT), Lisebo Mosetsi underscored the importance of accreditation in professionalising the tourism sector and aligning it with national development goals.

“Accreditation is a bold statement of our collective commitment — to delivering excellent service, protecting tourists and host communities, and creating a sustainable and inclusive tourism economy,” Mosetsi stated.

Acting Chief Executive Officer of the LTDC, Mamello Morojele, echoed these sentiments, noting that the launch represents a pivotal step toward raising tourism standards and improving Lesotho’s position as a trusted destination on the global tourism map.

“Today, we are not only launching a programme; we are ushering in a new era of accountability, professionalism, and excellence in the tourism sector,” Morojele said.

She explained that the accreditation programme is designed to support business growth by offering guidance on industry best practices, providing a platform to promote accredited businesses, and ensuring consumer protection through fair competition and quality assurance.

“It offers clear standards that tourism operators can work toward, while giving travelers confidence that they are choosing quality and safe experiences,” she added.

Morojele also emphasized that the success of the initiative will depend on collective participation from all stakeholders — including the government, private sector, and communities.

“Let us embrace this programme with open arms and make Lesotho a destination known, not only for its breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, but also for its excellence in service,” she concluded.

The Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme is expected to serve as a catalyst for professional growth, improved service delivery, and increased international confidence in Lesotho’s tourism offerings — ultimately helping to boost visitor numbers, drive economic development, and position the country as a standout destination in Southern Africa.