Karabo Ramathe
The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has officially launched the second phase of its Quality Assurance Programme, significantly expanding efforts to raise standards and improve service delivery across the tourism sector.
The launch took place on Wednesday at the LTDC head office, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s tourism industry.
This latest development represents a major milestone as the programme now extends beyond the “Star Grading” system introduced in 2016 to include previously overlooked sub-sectors such as tour operators, guides, hikers, and event organisers.
The expansion demonstrates LTDC’s commitment to comprehensive sector transformation.
Speaking at the launch event, LTDC’s acting CEO Mamello Morojele described the initiative as heralding a new era for tourism in Lesotho.
She explained that the programme aims to establish clear standards for tourism businesses, build trust with visitors and investors, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and professionalism throughout the industry.
“This is a significant occasion for the Lesotho tourism sector at large, as it marks an important milestone in our journey towards improving standards, promoting quality assurance, and enhancing the competitiveness of Lesotho as a tourism destination,” Morojele said.
“Today, we are not just launching a programme; we are ushering in a new era of accountability, professionalism, and excellence.”
Morojele emphasised that the programme is designed to empower rather than burden operators by providing structured guidance to improve service quality and promote accredited businesses at both national and international levels.
She assured stakeholders that LTDC will provide comprehensive training, workshops, and support tools to help operators meet the new standards while monitoring compliance transparently and fairly.
Representing the Lesotho Council of Tourism, Lisebo Mosetsi stressed that accreditation transcends simple certification or formality, serving instead as a strategic instrument that enhances the credibility, competitiveness, and sustainability of Lesotho’s tourism offering.
Under LTDC oversight, the accreditation process formally recognises tourism operators who meet established national and international standards for quality, safety, and service delivery.
“Accreditation is much more than a badge an operator wears, it is a declaration of our collective resolve to raise standards, protect tourists, and build a more inclusive tourism economy,” Mosetsi emphasised.
The Council highlighted the need to expand training and mentorship programmes, strengthen dialogue between public and private actors, and build on regional synergies to promote Lesotho as a high-quality, reliable destination in Southern Africa.
“Together with LTDC, the Ministry, and the private sector, we are building a modern tourism sector that Lesotho can be proud of,” said Mosetsi.
“Accreditation is not just a technical exercise; it is a powerful expression of our national ambition.”
The event featured remarks from ‘Mabolaona Selinyane, Director in the Department of Tourism, who echoed the urgent need for sector transformation. She acknowledged that while Lesotho’s natural beauty and cultural richness have always attracted visitors, inconsistent service and informal practices have historically constrained the sector’s growth potential.
“For years, our tourism potential has been held back, not by lack of beauty or culture, but by inconsistent service standards, informal practices, and uncoordinated development. This ends today,” Selinyane declared.
“The accreditation and grading programmes are our commitment to excellence as a country. It is our promise to tourists, locally, regionally, and internationally, that wherever they travel in the Kingdom in the Sky, they will receive services that meet internationally recognised standards.”
Selinyane highlighted that the programme extends beyond business development to empower communities by ensuring tourism operators across the country receive equal recognition and are equipped to compete effectively in the industry.
She applauded LTDC, the Ministry of Sports, Tourism, Arts and Culture, and all stakeholders who contributed to bringing the programme to fruition.
LTDC announced that the training programme welcomes all participants, particularly encouraging youth involvement. The comprehensive training will span a maximum of six months, with participants receiving recognition badges upon completion.
Both leaders called on all players in the tourism value chain, from government and private sector to communities and media, to rally behind the initiative.
They expressed confidence that the programme would position Lesotho as a trusted, high-quality destination known not only for its breath-taking landscapes and heritage but also for service excellence.
Summary
- “This is a significant occasion for the Lesotho tourism sector at large, as it marks an important milestone in our journey towards improving standards, promoting quality assurance, and enhancing the competitiveness of Lesotho as a tourism destination,” Morojele said.
- “Accreditation is much more than a badge an operator wears, it is a declaration of our collective resolve to raise standards, protect tourists, and build a more inclusive tourism economy,” Mosetsi emphasised.
- The Council highlighted the need to expand training and mentorship programmes, strengthen dialogue between public and private actors, and build on regional synergies to promote Lesotho as a high-quality, reliable destination in Southern Africa.
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