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Latest data from Statistics Botswana (SB) shows that the country’s tourism sector has seen significant growth in 2023, with a total of 1,183,432 international tourists arriving. This record influx of tourists highlights the country’s growing appeal as a top tourist destination in Southern Africa.
Botswana’s data shows that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region is the main source of tourists to Botswana, accounting for 77.2% of total tourist arrivals. South Africa is the largest source of tourists, accounting for 33.3% of total tourist arrivals, reaching 394,090 people. It is followed by Zimbabwe, accounting for 22.3%, reaching 263,697 people, and Zambia, accounting for 10.8%, reaching 128,346 people. Together, these three countries account for 66.4% of Botswana’s international tourist arrivals.
Border crossings and airport traffic are key entry points. The Kazungula Bridge border had the highest traffic, accounting for 12.0% of total arrivals, followed by the Trokweng Border Post, which accounted for 11.8%. The Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, while crucial, only accounted for 4.5% of total tourist arrivals.
The gender distribution of overnight visitors was significantly skewed towards men, with 65.2% male and 34.8% female. For day visitors, the gender distribution was slightly more balanced, with 53.3% male and 46.7% female.
Travel motivations vary, with vacation and leisure travel accounting for the highest proportion at 26.4%, followed by transit tourists (26.1%) and visiting relatives and friends (22.6%). The “other” category includes shopping, religion, sports and medical purposes, accounting for only 7.2%.
Monthly data shows seasonal trends, with December being the peak month, accounting for 10.7% of total arrivals. In contrast, February has the lowest number of arrivals, at just 5.6%. Holiday and leisure visitors typically stay 8-14 days, while those visiting friends and family often stay more than 21 days. Business travelers mainly stay 4-7 days.
In terms of age structure, tourists prefer middle-aged tourists, with tourists aged 35-44 accounting for 27.9%. The second is tourists aged 45-54, accounting for 20.5%, and tourists aged 25-34 account for 19.1%. The youngest age group of tourists (15 years old and below) only accounts for 4.1%.
In terms of international tourists, the United States is the country with the most overseas tourists, with a total of 62,386 people, accounting for 31.5%. It is followed by Germany and the United Kingdom, accounting for 20.6% and 12.8% respectively. Most overseas tourists come here for vacation or leisure, accounting for 86.5% of the top ten source countries. African tourists account for 78.3% of the total tourists, with the Southern African Development Community region being the main source country. European tourists account for 11.9%, and American tourists account for 6.4%.
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