Botswana has taken a significant legal step forward for LGBTQ+ travelers. The government last month formally removed colonial-era provisions from a penal code that criminalized consensual same-sex activity, with penalties of up to seven years' imprisonment.
However, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) cautions the travel trade that legal decriminalization alone is not enough to guarantee a welcoming guest experience.
"A law changes what happens on paper, but travelers care about what happens in their day-to-day experiences and interactions with the communities they are visiting," said LoAnn Halden, IGLTA vice president of communications.
While the legal shift, which aligns the penal code with a landmark 2019 High Court ruling, is a major milestone, Halden noted that social acceptance often takes time to catch up to legislation.
Because safety remains a primary concern for LGBTQ+ travelers, the trade must actively demonstrate its inclusivity. "It doesn't automatically guarantee an influx of travelers," Halden explained. "If we aren't proactively telling these stories and highlighting welcoming businesses on the ground, travelers won't assume it's safe to visit."
For operators and lodges looking to welcome LGBTQ+ guests, Halden recommends starting with practical operational changes, such as updating booking forms to be gender-neutral and training staff on inclusive check-in scripts. Small businesses needing support to scale these efforts can access mentorship and training through the IGLTA Foundation's targeted programs.
For travel advisors pitching Botswana to LGBTQ+ clients who might be wary of travelling to Africa, due diligence remains critical. Halden says clients should "definitely add Botswana to your list," but advisors must do their research by vetting property marketing and seeking out reviews from queer creators to know exactly who they are booking them with.