Botswana is making its presence felt at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse (ITB) Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, with a delegation of 29 tourism operators. The country’s participation is a collaboration between Botswana Tourism and the Botswana Embassy in Germany, aiming to attract key travel industry players and promote the nation as a top destination.
ITB Berlin is a major platform for international tourism, bringing together tour operators, airlines, travel media, hotel chains, and booking system developers from 180 countries. The event provides an opportunity for Botswana to showcase its tourism offerings and strengthen industry connections.
Germany has been Botswana’s second-largest source of international visitors since 2013. In 2023, 40,856 German travelers visited the country, making up 20% of arrivals from the top 10 source markets. This marks a 9% increase compared to 2019, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Leisure tourism continues to drive German visitor numbers, with 86% of arrivals in 2023 traveling for holiday purposes. The segment saw a 7% rise compared to 2019, reflecting strong demand for Botswana’s wildlife safaris and natural attractions.
Botswana’s Ambassador to Germany, John-Thomas Dipowe, welcomed the local operators on the first day of the trade fair, acknowledging their role in promoting the country’s tourism industry.