First Annual Tourism Pitso Focuses on Tourism Investment and Sustainable Growth in Lesotho

Lesotho officially opened its first Annual Tourism Pitso on 16 September 2026 at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, marking an important milestone for the country’s tourism sector. The two-day event brought together government representatives, tourism businesses, investors, development partners and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening tourism as a driver of economic development. Held under the theme “Unlocking Tourism Investment and Sustainable Growth for Inclusive Economic Development”, the Pitso placed investment and sustainable growth at the centre of discussions. The event also provided a platform for exhibitors to showcase the country’s tourism products and services to visitors and potential partners. With tourism identified as an important contributor to economic transformation and employment, the gathering created space for stakeholders to examine practical opportunities for growing the sector.

The official opening brought together a diverse group of participants from Lesotho and the wider Southern African Development Community region. Exhibitors presented a range of tourism products and services, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the experiences available across the Mountain Kingdom. Government officials, development partners, financial institutions and tourism sector stakeholders also attended the event, highlighting the broad range of interests involved in tourism development. Young entrepreneurs were among those participating, creating an opportunity for emerging businesses to engage with established institutions and potential investors. The presence of senior government officials further demonstrated the importance placed on tourism as part of Lesotho’s wider economic development agenda.

The programme featured panel discussions, investment promotion forums, presentations and exhibitions designed to encourage greater cooperation across the tourism industry. These activities provided participants with opportunities to discuss challenges affecting the sector while identifying areas where investment could support new tourism products, services and infrastructure. The focus on collaboration between the public and private sectors was particularly important because sustainable tourism development requires coordinated efforts across government, businesses, investors and communities. Financial institutions also have an important role to play by supporting tourism enterprises that require funding to establish or expand their operations. By bringing these stakeholders together in one forum, the Pitso created an environment for discussions around practical investment opportunities and stronger partnerships.

The Annual Tourism Pitso was organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture through the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation. The initiative forms part of the Government of Lesotho’s strategic priority to use tourism as a tool for economic transformation, job creation and inclusive growth. This approach places emphasis on expanding the economic benefits generated by tourism while creating opportunities for businesses and communities to participate in the sector. Young entrepreneurs and smaller tourism enterprises can play an important role in this process by developing new products and services that respond to changing visitor interests. Strengthening the tourism industry can also create opportunities across accommodation, transport, hospitality, entertainment, heritage, outdoor recreation and other related sectors.

The exhibition continued on 17 September 2026, with the second day placing particular attention on sports tourism and tourism investment. A panel discussion on sports tourism examined the potential for sporting activities and events to contribute to the growth of Lesotho’s tourism industry. Sports tourism can create opportunities for destinations to attract visitors through competitions, sporting events, training activities and related experiences. Lesotho’s landscape and existing sporting activities provide potential areas for developing tourism products that connect sport with the country’s natural and cultural attractions. Discussions around this area also highlighted the importance of creating suitable infrastructure and partnerships to support the development of sports tourism.

Leading investor Mme Marethabile Sekhiba also shared insights into opportunities and challenges facing tourism investment and development in Lesotho. Her contribution brought attention to the conditions investors need when considering opportunities within the country’s tourism sector. An enabling environment can include effective policies, reliable infrastructure, access to finance, appropriate regulatory systems and cooperation between government and private sector stakeholders. Addressing challenges in these areas can help create conditions that support sustainable investment and encourage the development of new tourism businesses. The discussion therefore added an investment perspective to the broader conversations taking place during the Pitso.

The focus on sustainable growth was also significant because tourism development needs to balance economic opportunities with the protection of Lesotho’s natural and cultural resources. The country’s mountains, landscapes, heritage sites and cultural traditions form an important part of its tourism offering and require responsible management. Sustainable tourism can support local businesses and communities while helping preserve the resources that attract visitors to the country. Investment in tourism therefore needs to consider both economic returns and the long-term value of the country’s environmental and cultural assets. The discussions at the Pitso provided an opportunity for stakeholders to consider how these priorities can be incorporated into future tourism development.

The first Annual Tourism Pitso has placed investment, collaboration and sustainable tourism development at the centre of Lesotho’s tourism conversation. Over two days, stakeholders had an opportunity to showcase tourism products, discuss investment opportunities, explore sports tourism and consider ways to create a stronger enabling environment for industry growth. The participation of government institutions, financial organisations, development partners, investors, entrepreneurs and tourism businesses demonstrated the wide range of stakeholders needed to strengthen the sector. As Lesotho seeks to expand tourism’s contribution to economic transformation and job creation, continued cooperation between the public and private sectors will remain important. The Pitso has provided a platform for these conversations and highlighted the potential for tourism to support more inclusive economic growth across the Kingdom.