MASERU, Lesotho, September 16, 2026 — Lesotho has opened its first Annual Tourism Pitso, bringing government officials, tourism businesses, communities, private sector representatives and development partners together to discuss ways of expanding the country’s tourism industry.
The two day gathering, running from September 16 to 17 at the Manthabiseng Convention Centre in Maseru, is being organised by the Government of Lesotho through the Ministry of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation.
The Tourism Pitso is focused on finding practical ways to develop, promote and sustain the country’s tourism sector while increasing its contribution to economic growth and creating opportunities for Basotho.
Opening the event, Minister of Tourism, Sports, Arts and Culture Mputi Stephen Mputi said the gathering should help identify ways of turning Lesotho’s tourism resources into a driver of sustainable economic growth.
He called on Basotho to move beyond simply possessing tourism attractions and develop them into marketable tourism products capable of attracting investment.
Mputi said the Pitso provides an opportunity for stakeholders to examine challenges affecting the sector while sharing knowledge and experiences in areas such as investment, marketing and tourism product development.
He also called for greater support for tourism operators to improve the quality of their products and make them more attractive to potential investors.
Digital technology and artificial intelligence are also featuring in discussions around the future of Lesotho’s tourism industry.
Mputi said the country’s digital agenda and the use of AI could help transform tourism by improving how Lesotho markets and presents its attractions to local and international audiences.
At the same time, he cautioned that technology should complement rather than overshadow the country’s natural heritage, which remains central to its tourism offering.
The minister urged stakeholders to develop tourism projects that are ready for investment, while ensuring that the benefits of tourism growth reach Basotho and communities across the country.
He said inclusive development should remain a central consideration as Lesotho works to expand its tourism economy.
According to Mputi, building a stronger tourism industry will require sustained cooperation between government, private businesses, communities, development partners and other stakeholders.
The Pitso is providing a platform for these groups to discuss how their respective roles can contribute to a more competitive and sustainable tourism sector.
The programme includes discussions, networking sessions, exhibitions and dialogue covering investment opportunities, sustainable tourism, destination marketing, digital transformation and tourism product development.
Participants are also expected to examine ways of strengthening collaboration among stakeholders and creating an environment that can attract greater investment into Lesotho’s tourism industry.
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