News Date : 22 January, 2026
BUAN Supports the Tourism industry
BUAN’s participation in the Tourism Pitso under the theme “Tourism as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation and Sustainable Growth Through Partnerships” underscores the University’s strategic role in shaping the future of Botswana’s tourism sector.
As a centre of excellence in agriculture, natural resources, and environmental sciences, BUAN is uniquely positioned to support tourism development that is both economically viable and environmentally sustainable. Tourism in Botswana is deeply linked to natural ecosystems, wildlife, landscapes, food systems, and rural livelihoods, areas that form the core of BUAN’s academic and research mandate.
Through research and innovation, BUAN generates evidence-based solutions that support sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and natural resource management. These research outputs are critical for informing tourism policies and practices that balance economic growth with environmental protection, ensuring that tourism development does not compromise the very resources on which it depends.
BUAN also plays a key role in human capital development by training professionals with the skills required to support a modern tourism industry. This includes expertise in environmental management, agro-tourism, eco-tourism, food and hospitality systems, climate-smart practices, and community-based tourism models. By producing graduates who understand sustainability, resource efficiency, and innovation, BUAN contributes to a skilled workforce that can drive transformation across the tourism value chain.
In addition, BUAN supports community engagement and inclusive growth by promoting tourism models that integrate local communities, farmers, and rural enterprises into the tourism economy. Through extension services, applied research, and partnerships, the University helps communities participate meaningfully in tourism through agri-tourism, cultural heritage initiatives, local food supply chains, and conservation-based enterprises.
Partnerships are central to BUAN’s contribution to the sector. By collaborating with government, the private sector, communities, and regional and international institutions, BUAN strengthens knowledge exchange, policy development, and innovation. The Tourism Pitso provides a valuable platform for building these partnerships and aligning academic expertise with national tourism priorities.
BUAN’s involvement in the Tourism Pitso therefore reflects its commitment to positioning tourism as a driver of economic diversification, sustainable development, and inclusive growth, while safeguarding Botswana’s natural and cultural heritage for future generations.