• International tennis tournaments in Gaborone attracted over 7,000 visitors and supported more than 200 seasonal jobs

• Tourism accounts for about 10% of Botswana’s GDP, with efforts underway to diversify beyond wildlife-based tourism

• Spending from the events was concentrated in accommodation, catering, transport and logistics

International tennis competitions hosted in Gaborone in 2025 generated approximately BWP 6 million (about $438,000) in economic activity and more than 200 seasonal jobs, according to data published by the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) on March 24, 2026.

The events drew over 7,000 visitors, including players, officials and spectators from a diverse set of countries. Spending linked to the tournaments was concentrated in hospitality and related services, with accommodation receipts accounting for around BWP 5 million and catering contributing approximately BWP 700,000. Additional spending was recorded in transport and event logistics. Tourism authorities reported that about 80% of total funding for the events was supported by international sources, reflecting strong foreign visitor participation and travel spending.

The focus on tennis forms part of an evolving effort to diversify Botswana’s tourism base. According to the World Bank, tourism accounts for an estimated 10% of Botswana’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supports tens of thousands of jobs, with traditional wildlife and safari attractions long dominating visitor arrivals. Expanding into segments such as sports tourism aims to broaden the visitor profile, increase off-peak tourism and support year-round economic activity.

Sports tourism is a growing economic segment across Africa. In South Africa, major events such as the FIFA World Cup have generated significant economic activity through accommodation, transport and ancillary services. Regional rallies and athletics meetings in West and East Africa likewise attract international participation and associated spending, underscoring the potential of sports events to contribute measurable economic impact beyond traditional tourism products.

According to Deloitte, such events stimulate immediate visitor spending on lodging, food and local transport, while also enhancing destination branding and long-term infrastructure utilization. These dynamics can benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in event-related services, including food vendors, retail outlets, hotels and transport providers.

While the BWP 6 million generated by tennis events represents a modest share of total tourism receipts, the development of sports tourism reflects a broader policy interest in niche tourism segments that complement Botswana’s established attractions. Government planning documents and national sports strategies increasingly reference the role of sport in community development, youth engagement and tourism promotion, indicating growing institutional recognition of its economic value.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang