Botswana Tourism Fees Set to Rise from April Following Presidential Directive

Article By: DIANA MOTSU

The cost of operating in the tourism sector is set to rise from 1 April 2026, following a Presidential Directive revising tourism fees, with some charges expected to double or triple.

The move has raised concern in areas like Chobe, where tourism supports jobs and local businesses. Area MP Oscar Mapulanga says the decision was made without consulting local operators, many still recovering from COVID 19. 

He warns the new fees could put pressure on local businesses and limit citizen participation in the sector.

A Presidential Directive is an instruction from the President that guides government policy and is binding on government departments.