PRESS RELEASE

FIRST ANNUAL TOURISM PITSO BRINGS TOGETHER TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS TO UNLOCK INVESTMENT AND DRIVE INCLUSIVE GROWTH

Maseru, Lesotho | 17 September 2026 — The inaugural Tourism Pitso 2026 has brought together Government, investors, tourism businesses, financial institutions, development partners, entrepreneurs, communities and other industry stakeholders to explore concrete actions of unlocking tourism investment and strengthening the sector’s contribution to Lesotho’s economic development.

Held from 16–17 September 2026 at the Lesotho National Convention Centre, the two-day event is hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture and implemented by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), under the theme “Unlocking Tourism Investment and Sustainable Growth for Inclusive Economic Development.”

The Tourism Pitso is established as a strategic platform for tourism development, investment promotion, market access and stakeholder collaboration. It brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including investors, financial institutions, tourism operators, hospitality businesses, community tourism enterprises, development partners, regional tourism authorities.

Two days of dialogue, opportunity and business engagement

The first day focused on the official opening, tourism showcases and sector dialogue, with the programme featuring keynote addresses, cultural performances. The exhibition provided a platform for tourism businesses and support services to showcase their products, services and experiences while creating opportunities for networking and business connections.

The day’s discussions examined issues central to the competitiveness and growth of Lesotho’s tourism sector, including investment, job creation, financing, community-based tourism, , culture and inclusive tourism development.

The second day shifted the focus towards tourism investment, market access and business development. Discussions will also explore sports tourism, the investment climate and investor support, while public-sector tourism investment opportunities will be presented to potential investors and partners.

Financial institutions and development finance organizations will share information on available funding mechanisms and support programmes for tourism enterprises. The programme will culminate in B2B and B2G Business networking sessions, connecting investors, tourism businesses, financiers, government institutions and project owners to explore potential partnerships and investment opportunities.

Showcasing Lesotho beyond the conference room

Running alongside the main programme throughout the two days was a range of activities designed to showcase the diversity of Lesotho’s tourism offering. These included a Tourism Product Expo, Craft Market, Basotho Food Court, Destination Marketing Stalls, Youth Tourism Innovation Hub, Tourism Career Corner, Digital Tourism and Technology Showcase, Media Centre and tour operator package showcases.

These platforms provided tourism enterprises, artisans, young innovators and other participants with opportunities to engage directly with potential customers, partners and investors, while demonstrating the potential of tourism to generate income and create opportunities across communities.

From dialogue to action

A key message emerging from the Tourism Pitso is that the success of the gathering will ultimately depend on what follows after the two days of dialogue.

The Tourism Pitso is expected to contribute to a stronger pipeline of bankable tourism projects, investment commitments, business linkages and partnerships, while improving market access for community-based tourism enterprises and artisans and enhancing the visibility of Lesotho’s tourism products and destinations.

The event will also provide a basis for the Tourism Indaba Declaration and Communiqué, capturing key resolutions, commitments and priority actions emerging from the discussions.

The CEO a.i LTDC Ms. Mamello Morojele emphasized the importance of turning Lesotho’s tourism potential into real opportunities by developing viable businesses, attracting investment, creating employment and generating tangible economic benefits for Basotho.”

The Tourism Pitso further is intended to reinforce the importance of collaboration between Government and the private sector in creating an enabling investment environment, empowering tourism enterprises, expanding market access and ensuring that tourism development delivers meaningful benefits at community level.

A platform for continued engagement

The Tourism Pitso forms part of the Government’s broader efforts to position tourism as a key contributor to national development and economic growth. It also serves as one of the build-up activities towards World Tourism Day and Tourism Month, under the theme “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” In this context, the Pitso provides an opportunity to showcase Lesotho’s cultural heritage, tourism products and investment opportunities, while exploring how digital transformation and innovation can further strengthen the sector.

The organizers emphasized that the Tourism Pitso is envisioned to become a continuing platform for engagement and action rather than a once-off event. The outcomes, partnerships and opportunities identified during the gathering will require continued collaboration among Government, investors, tourism businesses, communities, development partners and other stakeholders.

The first Tourism Pitso therefore marks an important step towards building a more competitive, inclusive and investment-ready tourism sector, one that attracts visitors and investment while creating sustainable economic opportunities for Basotho.