On the 4th February, 2026 at the Examinations Council of Lesotho (ECoL) premises in Khubetsoana, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) had the distinct honor of engaging with members of the Lesotho Travel, Tourism and Teachers’ Association (LTTTA) passionate educators shaping the next generation of tourism professionals.
The interactive session brought together teachers of Travel and Tourism, a subject proudly embedded within the national curriculum, for a dynamic and forward-looking dialogue on the growth trajectory and future prospects of Lesotho’s tourism sector. It was an inspiring exchange of ideas, insight, and shared commitment toward strengthening the industry through education and strategic collaboration.
Tourism remains one of Lesotho’s most promising sectors for economic growth, job creation, and cultural preservation. At the heart of this transformation is LTDC working strategically to improve quality, empower communities, support infrastructure, and position Lesotho as a competitive global destination.
Tourism continues to set itself apart as one of Lesotho’s strongest drivers of economic growth, employment creation, and cultural preservation. Leading this progress is the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), the national body mandated to develop, regulate, and promote a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable tourism industry.
Representing the Corporation, the Public Relations Manager- Mr. Molapo Matela delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the critical role LTDC plays in developing a travel and tourism industry
During an engagement with the Lesotho Travel Tourism and Teachers Association, Mr. Matela shared how the Corporation’s integrated approach strengthens every part of the tourism value chain from improving service standards and building skills to developing infrastructure, empowering communities, and marketing the country globally.
The Quality Star Grading System is being implemented under the Tourism Sector Accreditation Programme. The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) is preparing to roll out a Training of Trainers campaign, and a consultant has been appointed to lead this assignment.
The training will target tourism operators, including tour guides, tour operators, hiking clubs, and event organizers, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to meet recognized service standards. This initiative enhances service quality, builds visitor confidence, and positions Lesotho as a safe, reliable, and competitive tourism destination.
Human capital development and job creation are equally fundamental. LTDC provides training to tour guides, operators, and homestay owners, while mobilizing communities to participate in income-generating activities including pony trekking, craft-making, cultural performances, and traditional cuisine. At heritage sites such as Thaba Bosiu Plateau, local youth are employed as guides, gaining both skills and sustainable livelihoods. These initiatives ensure tourism directly benefits Basotho families and communities.
To enhance the visitor experience, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has developed Visitors Comfort Facilities (VCFs) in Botha-Bothe and Semonkong and appointed private sector operators to manage them, along with additional amenities that improve accessibility and overall service delivery. The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) oversees the effective management of these facilities to ensure operational efficiency while advocating meaningful gains for surrounding communities. These investments generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities, stimulate the growth of small enterprises, and encourage private sector participation across tourism destinations, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable local economic development.
Beyond operations on the ground, LTDC actively protects and promotes Lesotho’s image through the Visit Lesotho brand. Strategic marketing campaigns, media engagement, partnerships, and participation in Tourism Exhibitions and Trade Fairs platforms raise global awareness of Lesotho’s mountains, culture, heritage, and adventure offerings, attracting visitors, investors, and events all year-round.
The Corporation further strengthens the sector through data-driven planning and sustainable financing. By collecting tourism statistics and trends, LTDC guides informed policy and investment decisions. Meanwhile, the Tourism Levy funds product development, training, signage, marketing, and institutional support, ensuring long-term growth and competitiveness.
It was recommended by teachers that broader community awareness be strengthened to improve understanding of the importance of the tourism levy and the need for timely compliance and remittance by tourism operators. Concerns were also raised regarding the limited accessibility of tourism information across all districts of Lesotho due to the insufficient presence of Tourism Officers, a gap that continues to constrain tourism development and the stimulation of domestic travel.
Together, these efforts reflect a holistic method where quality services, empowered communities, strong infrastructure, credible data, and strategic marketing work hand in hand. The result is a tourism industry that not only welcomes visitors but also creates jobs, supports local enterprises, and preserves Lesotho’s unique identity.
Ultimately, LTDC’s task is clear: to ensure that tourism in Lesotho is not just about destinations, but about opportunity and patriotism.
