2. Tourism refers to the activity of traveling to a place
for pleasure or business purposes, typically
involving a stay in that place for a limited duration
(UNWTO, 2022).
Introduction to Tourism
3. Importance of Tourism in Lesotho
Economic Growth:
Tourism contributes significantly
to Lesotho's economy by
generating revenue through
various tourism-related activities
such as accommodations,
transportation, and attractions
(UNWTO, 2022).
Employment
Opportunities:
The tourism sector creates job
opportunities for locals, including
tour guides, hotel staff, artisans,
and more (Lesotho Tourism
Development Corporation, n.d.).
4. • Environmental Impact: Over-tourism and
improper waste management can lead to
environmental degradation and harm
fragile ecosystems (UNWTO, 2022).
• Cultural Impact: Excessive tourism can
dilute local cultures and traditions,
leading to cultural erosion and loss of
authenticity (UNWTO, 2022).
Garbage pollution in a natural tourist spot, retrieved from
https://www.toppr.com/guides/speech-for-
students/speech-on-water-pollution/
5. Tourist Attractions in Lesotho
Famous for its breathtaking mountain views
and adventurous 4x4 trail (Lesotho Tourism
Development Corporation, n.d.).
One of Southern Africa's highest single-drop
waterfalls (Lesotho Tourism Development
Corporation, n.d.).
Sani Pass Maletsunyane Falls
6. Maloti-Drakensberg Park
Natural Tourist Attractions in Lesotho
Sehlabathebe National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
spanning Lesotho and South
Africa, renowned for its rich
biodiversity, ancient rock art, and
stunning landscapes (UNESCO,
2022).
Lesotho's first national park,
offering pristine wilderness, alpine
meadows, and unique flora and
fauna (Lesotho Tourism
Development Corporation, n.d.).
7. Sustainable
Tourism Practices
Community Engagement: Encourage community
involvement in tourism decision-making processes to
ensure that local interests are considered and
respected (Thetsane & Nkoenyane, 2019).
Cultural Preservation: Support initiatives that preserve
and promote the cultural heritage of Lesotho, including
traditional practices, languages, and crafts (Thetsane &
Nkoenyane, 2019).
Education and Awareness: Raise awareness among
tourists and local communities about the importance of
sustainable tourism practices through educational
programs and outreach campaigns (Thetsane &
Nkoenyane, 2019).
8. Cultural experiences for tourists in Lesotho
This flat-topped mountain was the
stronghold of King Moshoeshoe I,
the founder of Lesotho. It's a
UNESCO World Heritage Site and
a significant pilgrimage site for the
Basotho people.
Enjoy vibrant music, dance, and
storytelling performances that
showcase Basotho culture.
Visit Thaba-Bosiu
Monument
Attend a Sesotho Cultural
Performance
Explore the Living Museum
of Lesotho
This open-air museum showcases
traditional Basotho life. Visitors can
see demonstrations of Basotho
crafts, such as weaving and pottery
making, and learn about their
history and way of life.
9. Marketing and Promotion of Lesotho
Tourism
Digital Marketing Strategy: Developing a digital marketing
strategy tailored to Lesotho's tourism offerings, including
including website optimization, social media marketing,
marketing, and search engine advertising (Acorn Tourism,
Tourism, n.d.).
Content Creation: Creating compelling and visually
appealing content that showcases Lesotho's natural beauty,
beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities to
opportunities to attract and inspire potential visitors(Acorn
Poster advertisement for a
tourism festival in Lesotho.
10. Tourist Safety and Security
Key safety measures include:
1. Crime Awareness: Tourists are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in urban areas, and
to take precautions against theft and petty crime (UK Government, n.d.).
2. Travel Advisory Updates: Regularly monitoring travel advisories and updates from reliable
sources to stay informed about any security risks or developments (UK Government, n.d.).
3. Risk Mitigation: Taking proactive steps to mitigate risks, such as avoiding isolated areas at
night and using reputable transportation services (UK Government, n.d.).
11. Future Outlook for Lesotho Tourism
Policy Framework:
Implementing robust policy
frameworks and strategies to support
the sustainable development of the
tourism sector (Government of
Lesotho, 2019).
Community Empowerment:
Empowering local communities to
actively participate in tourism
development initiatives, fostering
inclusive growth and equitable
distribution of benefits (Government
of Lesotho, 2019).
Diversification:
Diversifying tourism offerings to attract a
wider range of visitors, including
ecotourism, adventure tourism, cultural
tourism, and heritage tourism
(Government of Lesotho, 2019).
Collaboration:
Strengthening partnerships with
international organizations, donors, and
private sector stakeholders to leverage
resources and expertise for sustainable
tourism development (Government of
Lesotho, 2019).
12. “Write Your Fact Here.”
Did You Know?
1. Acorn Tourism. (n.d.). “Digital Marketing Strategy and Development in Lesotho.” Retrieved from
https://acorntourism.co.uk/projects/digital-marketing-strategy-and-development-in-lesotho-p675271
(Accessed on May 8, 2024)
2. Government of Lesotho. (2019). “Lesotho Voluntary National Review Report 2019.” Retrieved from
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/content/documents/23777Lesotho_VNR_Report_2019_Final.
pdf (Accessed on May 8, 2024)
3. Thetsane, R., & Nkoenyane, T. (2019). “Understanding Tourists' Attitude and Behavior towards
Sustainable Tourism Development in Lesotho”. Tourism Issues, 23(6), 25-39. Retrieved from
https://www.athensjournals.gr/tourism/2019-6-2-4-Thetsane.pdf (Accessed on May 8, 2024)
4. UK Government. (n.d.). “Foreign Travel Advice: Lesotho - Safety and Security.” Retrieved from
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lesotho/safety-and-security (Accessed on May 8, 2024)
5. UNESCO. (2022). “Maloti-Drakensberg Park.” Retrieved from https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/985/
6. United Nations World Tourism Organization. (2022). “Tourism Highlights.” Retrieved from
https://www.unwto.org/ (Accessed on May 8, 2024)