The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) is strengthening community participation as preparations gather momentum for the proposed Katse Luxury Cruise Boat Project. The initiative, which includes the introduction of a luxury tourism vessel on Katse Dam, is expected to unlock new tourism opportunities, stimulate local economic growth, and position Katse as one of Lesotho’s flagship tourism destinations.
The initiative has received the endorsement of the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA), underscoring the shared commitment of both institutions to furthering sustainable tourism development in the Katse dam precinct. Prior to the commencement of community engagement activities, the management of LTDC and LHDA met to agree on the project’s operational framework (modus operandi) and reaffirmed their collaboration through an existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which provides the foundation for implementing the initiative.
While the project promises to introduce a unique tourism experience, LTDC says its broader objective is to ensure that surrounding communities become active participants and beneficiaries of tourism development.
To achieve this, LTDC recently started a community sensitization campaign across the Katse dam precinct, building on an earlier engagement held from 29 June to 2 July 2026. Conducted in partnership with Twin Sisters Consultancy and Empirical Pty Ltd, the initial exercise brought together tour guides, local businesses and residents to contribute to the ongoing feasibility and environmental studies for the proposed investment.
The follow-up campaign, conducted from 21 to 23 July 2026, covered Ha Kanono, Mapeleng, Bokong Ha Khe’nene, Makhoabeng, and Ha Shoaepane. It focused on tourism awareness, a community baseline survey to evaluate the impact of tourism education programmes, and the identification of tourism-related income-generating opportunities.
The survey findings will help measure changes in community attitudes and determine opportunities for local communities to benefit directly should the project proceed.
Community members welcomed the initiative and expressed optimism that the proposed Katse Luxury Cruise Boat Project will create employment opportunities, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and improve livelihoods through increased tourism and related economic activities.
Freelance tour guide Lisema Lepeli described the project as a transformative opportunity for the Katse region. He said the investment could attract visitors throughout the year while creating markets for Basotho culture, traditional performances, local cuisine, indigenous games, arts and crafts. He added that tour guides, farmers, transport operators, accommodation providers, artisans and small businesses all stand to benefit from increased visitor numbers.
Leading the feasibility study, Twin Sisters Consultancy Co-Founder Ms. Palesa Ntakatsane said the study aims to determine whether the project is technically, economically, environmentally and socially viable. She emphasized that community participation remains central to the process, noting that local input will help shape recommendations that deliver sustainable benefits for both investors and surrounding communities. The feasibility study is expected to be completed by October 2026.
Beyond promoting economic opportunities, LTDC also used the campaign to reinforce the importance of responsible tourism and community safety. During engagements in Makhoabeng Village, concerns were raised over reports that some youths had allegedly been harassing pedestrians travelling to neighboring villages. Working alongside the Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS), local chiefs and community members, LTDC encouraged collective action to address the issue and safeguard the area’s reputation.
The assistant and right-hand man to the area chief, Mr. Abiel Rakuane, said the community had strongly condemned the behavior, stressing that it does not reflect Basotho values of respect and hospitality. He reiterated the community’s commitment to ensuring that Makhoabeng remains safe and welcoming for both residents and visitors.
Seargent Rethabile Mulungoane of the Bokong LMPS called for stronger community policing partnerships, reminding residents that crime prevention is a shared responsibility. He warned that destinations perceived to be unsafe often lose tourism opportunities, investment and employment, making community safety an economic priority as well as a policing matter.
Speaking on behalf of LTDC, Public Relations Manager Molapo Matela said the proposed Katse Luxury Cruise Boat Project is about creating inclusive economic opportunities for surrounding communities while showcasing Lesotho’s exceptional natural beauty and cultural heritage.
He emphasized that the success of tourism depends not only on investments in projects such as the proposed luxury cruise boat, but also on the quality of experiences visitors enjoy through their interactions with local communities.
“A visitor who experiences genuine hospitality, safety and respect becomes an ambassador for our destination. Positive experiences encourage repeat visits and strengthen Lesotho’s reputation, while negative experiences can discourage future travelers,” he said.
Matela encouraged communities to see themselves as custodians of Lesotho’s tourism assets, highlighting that responsible tourism begins with every resident.
As LTDC continues working with communities and stakeholders, the message remains clear: sustainable tourism is built through collaboration, shared responsibility and community ownership. By embracing these principles, the Katse region is laying the foundation for a world-class destination that will not only attract visitors from across the globe but also create lasting socio-economic opportunities for generations to come.