Presentation on Tourism in Lesotho prepared by Boitumelo Ntlhane

1. LESOTHO:
Unveiling the Mountain Kingdom's Tourism Wonders

2. What is
Tourism?
 The temporary movement of people from their place of residence to
another place for leisure, business, or other purposes (World Tourism
Organization, 2023).
 Tourists engage in a variety of activities during their travels, such as
sightseeing, cultural immersion, adventure sports, and relaxation.

3. Advantages of Tourism
 Economic benefits: Creates jobs in various sectors like hospitality,
transportation, and handicrafts (Sekoli, et al., 2019).
 Infrastructure development: Investment in tourism can lead to
improved roads, communication networks, and public facilities (Sekoli,
et al., 2019).
 Cultural preservation: Tourism can raise awareness and appreciation
for Lesotho's unique culture and traditions (Sekoli, et al., 2019).

4. Lesotho: A Tourist Paradise
 Lesotho boasts a diverse range of tourist attractions:
 The Maluti Mountains: Ideal for hiking, pony trekking, and mountain biking
(Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation, n.d.).
 Afriski Ski Resort: Sub-Saharan Africa's only ski resort (Lesotho Tourism
Development Corporation, n.d.).
 Maletsunyane Falls: The highest single-drop waterfall in Southern Africa
(Wikipedia, 2024).
 Cultural experiences: Traditional Basotho villages, Semonkong Craft Centre,
and Morija Arts Festival (Government of Lesotho, 2024).

5. Positive Effects Caused by Tourism
 Economic benefits: Tourism generates revenue through accommodation,
transportation, food services, and souvenir sales (Sekoli, et al., 2019).
 Job creation: The tourism industry creates employment opportunities in
various sectors, contributing to poverty reduction (Sekoli, et al., 2019).
 Infrastructure development: Investment in tourism leads to
improvements in roads, communication networks, and public facilities,
benefiting both residents and tourists (Sekoli, et al., 2019).

6. Negative Effects Caused by Tourism
 Environmental degradation: Increased waste generation, pollution (air,
water, noise), strain on natural resources (water, energy) (Sekoli et al.,
2019).
 Sociocultural disruption: Potential negative influences on local customs
and traditions, inauthentic cultural experiences catering to tourists (Sekoli
et al., 2019).
 Price inflation: Rising cost of living due to increased demand for goods
and services, locals potentially priced out (Sekoli et al., 2019).

7. How Tourists Benefit Lesotho
 Tourists bring in foreign currency, which helps Lesotho's economy
(United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2023).
 Tourists create a demand for local goods and services, stimulating
economic activity (United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2023).
 Tourists contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage by
supporting traditional crafts and performances (United Nations World
Tourism Organization, 2023).

8. Lesotho's Natural Attractions
Sehlabathebe National Park Maletsunyane Falls
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
with stunning mountain scenery,
diverse plant and animal life, and
hiking trails (UNESCO World
Heritage Centre, 2024).
Probably one of the most
spectacular natural sites in
Lesotho. It has a gigantic and
unique 200-metre drop. (Kanaga
Adventure Tours, 2022)

9. Lesotho's Man-Made Marvels
Mohale Dam Morija Museum
An impressive engineering feat
and a source of hydroelectric
power for Lesotho (Lesotho
Highlands Development Authority,
n.d.).
Morija Museum & Archives hosts
the oldest surviving museum and
archives in the Kingdom of
Lesotho (Morija Museum, n.d.).

10. Cultural Delights in Lesotho
 Lesotho offers a vibrant and unique culture:
 Traditional Basotho villages: Experience the Basotho way of life, with their
distinctive round mud huts and colorful blankets (Government of Lesotho,
2024).
 Semonkong Craft Centre: Learn about Basotho handicrafts and purchase
unique souvenirs (Semonkong Lodge, n.d.).
 Morija Arts Festival: Immerse yourself in Lesotho's rich artistic heritage
through music, dance, and visual arts (Morija Arts Festival, n.d.).

11. References
1. Government of Lesotho. (n.d) Lesotho tourism. Retrieved from
https://environment.gov.ls/protected-places/sehlabathebe-national-park/
(Accessed on April 23, 2024)
2. Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation. (n.d.). Lesotho travel guide.
Retrieved from https://openafrica.org/participant/lesotho-tourism-development-
corporation/ (Accessed on April 23, 2024)
3. Kanaga Africa Tour (2022). Maletsunyane Falls. Retrieved from
https://www.kanaga-at.com/en/trip-info/lesotho-en/maletsunyane-falls/
(Accessed on April 23, 2024)
4. Morija Arts Festival. (n.d.). Morija Arts Festival. Retrieved from Morija Museum:
morijamuseum.wordpress.com (Accessed on April 23, 2024)
5. Sekoli, R., Motebele, M., & Tshabalala, T. (2019). The impact of tourism on
economic growth in Lesotho. Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies,
11(3), 242-250.

12. References continued
6. Semonkong Lodge. (n.d.). Semonkong Craft Centre. Retrieved from
semonkonglodge.com (Accessed on April 23, 2024)
7. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (2024).
Sehlabathebe National Park. Retrieved from UNESCO World Heritage Centre:
https://environment.gov.ls/protected-places/sehlabathebe-national-park/
(Accessed on April 23, 2024)
8. United Nations World Tourism Organization. (2023). The positive impacts of
tourism. Retrieved from UNWTO: https://www.unwto.org/why-tourism
(Accessed on April 23, 2024)
9. World Tourism Organization. (2023). What is tourism? Retrieved from UNWTO:
https://www.unwto.org/who-we-are (Accessed on April 23, 2024)
10.Wikipedia.. Maletsunyane Falls. Retrieved from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maletsunyane_Falls (Accessed on April 23, 2024)