Perceptions of tourism operators towards adaptations to climate change in naturebased tourism: the quest for sustainable tourism in Botswana

Abstract

The effects of climate change have become increasingly evident, and have been the subject of discussion in the Southern African context recently. How climate change impacts on the tourism sector is an issue that can no longer be ignored because the industry is the mainstay of many developing economies, including Botswana. Adaptation strategies are necessary if the industry is to be sustainable and continue to benefit the host regions, communities and the tourists. This paper investigates the adaptation strategies that Botswana tourism operators have, or are planning to put in-place, in order to cope with or benefit from climate change. Surveys and interviews were conducted on local tourism operators in Tshabong and Maun. The findings indicate that most of the operators did not have any adaptation strategies in place, even though the majority believed that climate change was a reality. This led us to conclude that the industry will be reactive rather that proactive in dealing with climate change.