The inaugural NextGen Tourism Business Expo & Forward-Thinking Summit, held from October 2–3, 2025, in Gaborone, Botswana, marked a defining moment for the nation’s tourism landscape. Organised by City & Safari International and its partners, the event gathered government officials, tourism leaders, and innovative start-ups to explore forward-looking solutions that will shape Botswana’s tourism future through sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation.
A keynote address delivered on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Tourism reaffirmed the government’s dedication to positioning tourism as a key driver of economic inclusion. The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) shared an optimistic outlook, outlining key priorities such as market diversification, visa reforms, air connectivity, and destination marketing aimed at strengthening Botswana’s competitiveness in the global market.
A central focus of the summit was embedding sustainability at the heart of tourism development. A key session stressed that sustainability should be a foundation of business strategy rather than an afterthought. Discussions further highlighted the role of youth-led ventures and eco-conscious enterprises in driving responsible tourism models that balance economic growth with environmental preservation.
The event also celebrated the cultural and human elements of tourism, emphasising authentic storytelling and community empowerment. With engaging panel discussions, innovative showcases, and strong B2B networking, the summit, led by Tshepiso Mganga and her team at City & Safari International, inspired a renewed vision for a tourism industry grounded in sustainability, culture, and creativity.
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