Botswana nature-based tourism and COVID-19: transformational implications for the future

COVID-19 poses a huge threat to the tourism industry. Not only is health challenge, but it also socio-economic and ecological emergency. The UNWTO anticipates 20-30% decline in tourist arrivals, blow for sub-Saharan countries whose economies depend on nature-based tourism. Using qualitative document analysis, this paper presents an analysis of interlinkages between tourism, resultant impacts implications future Botswana. Results show that disease spread Botswana has resulted far reaching environmental repercussions. These include revenue losses, business closures, retrenchments, loss opportunities financing community development projects; wildlife straying beyond their normal ranges posing life increasing chances poaching. Lessons learnt transformational agenda need intensify domestic tourism; virtual operations strategies human-wildlife co-existence.