BTO CEO Champions Green Investment and Smart Tourism at Global Expo Botswana

BTO CEO Champions Green Investment and Smart Tourism at Global Expo Botswana. The Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Keitumetse Setlang, joined a high-level panel at the Pula Investment Conference during Global Expo Botswana, engaging in discussions under the theme “Sustainable Tourism, Smart Cities & Environmental Management: Unlocking Green Investment Opportunities.”

In her remarks, Ms. Setlang emphasised Botswana’s longstanding commitment to sustainable tourism, describing it as a cornerstone of both the country’s economic growth and environmental preservation. “Botswana takes great pride in being a destination that has built its identity and economy around tourism, deriving value from its natural resources through principles deeply rooted in sustainability,” she said.

She highlighted that the transition toward smart city development must align with Botswana’s conservation values, ensuring that innovation enhances — rather than replaces — the authenticity and cultural richness of its destinations.

Ms. Setlang also outlined BTO’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Strategy, which aims to transform Botswana’s urban centres into dynamic business tourism destinations and eco-friendly service hubs. This approach links the nation’s natural assets with modern, technology-driven visitor experiences that appeal to investors and global travellers alike.

Referencing Botswana’s flagship attraction, the Okavango Delta, recently recognised as the world’s best sustainable safari destination, she underscored the frameworks guiding its management — including the Okavango Delta Management Plan, the Eco-Certification Programme, the Eco-Tourism Manual, and the Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) Policy.

Ms. Setlang extended an open invitation to investors to explore Botswana’s growing portfolio of green investment opportunities in tourism, positioning the country as a model of how nature, technology, and culture can coexist sustainably.

The panel also featured industry leaders including Mr. Ratanang Tsayang (Xaoo Safari Camp), Mr. Tadiwos Belete (Kuriftu Resorts & Spa), Mr. Kabelo Binns (Okavango Wilderness Safari & Spa), and Mr. Tebogo Boalotswe (Natural Selection Safari).