In a significant stride toward enhancing the quality and professionalism of the tourism industry, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) has officially launched the Tourism Accreditation Programme. This initiative is part of broader efforts to position Lesotho as a premier destination of choice in the region and beyond.
Targeting key tourism service providers including tour operators, tour guides, hikers, and event organisers, the programme aims to certify and standardise service delivery, assuring visitors of reliable, safe, and high-quality experiences throughout the country.
Speaking at the launch, LTDC Acting CEO Mamello Morojele, described the programme as a defining moment for Lesotho’s tourism sector.
“Today we are not only launching a programme; we are ushering in a new era of accountability, professionalism, and excellence in the tourism sector,” she said.
Morojele highlighted the purpose of the programme as multifaceted: setting clear benchmarks for tourism businesses, rewarding excellence, instilling investor and tourist confidence, and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement. She further acknowledged the collaboration of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Ministry of Education through its TVET department, and the Lesotho Council of Tourism in shaping the programme to meet the sector’s evolving needs.
The Director at the Ministry of Tourism, Lieketseng Selinyane, reflected on the long-standing challenges that have hindered Lesotho’s tourism growth—not a lack of scenic beauty or cultural richness, but inconsistent service standards and informal business practices.
“This ends today,” Selinyane declared, noting that the accreditation programme represents a decisive step toward formalising the sector. “For Lesotho to compete effectively in the regional and global marketplace, we must commit to raising the bar in service delivery, product quality, and visitor experience.”
Representing the Lesotho Council of Tourism, Lisebo Mosetsi explained that accreditation is a formal recognition awarded to tourism providers who meet both national and international standards. “It signals quality, safety, and sustainability to visitors, investors, and operators,” Mosetsi said.
She added that accreditation under the oversight of the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) offers structured guidelines for professional growth. Accredited operators will also benefit from increased visibility, with inclusion in LTDC’s promotional efforts both locally and abroad.
Importantly, accreditation enforces compliance with standards set in the Tourism Act and related legislation, ensuring health, safety, and service excellence. It serves to protect Lesotho’s national brand and strengthen the credibility of its tourism industry.
This programme marks the second phase of Lesotho’s Quality Assurance Programme for tourism. The first phase, launched in 2016, introduced the Star Grading system for accommodation facilities, assigning ratings based on service quality, comfort, and amenities.
With the new accreditation system now in place, Lesotho is sending a strong message: the Mountain Kingdom is not just open for tourism—it is ready to offer world-class experiences grounded in quality, professionalism, and pride.
Thank you very much to the ministry and the corporation as well as the Council and everyone who contributed to this smart initiative. I personally love it
Now my bigger concerns as a tourism professional and active practitioner are;
1. How is the certification going to be facilitated, are there guidelines for each of the above mentioned cartegories?
2. As a guide, do i have a chance to visit or invite LTDC to asses me as an individual or as a company or they decide to visit or invite me or a company… How does it work there?
3. When is it commencing?