Residents’ Willingness to Pay for Domestic Nature-Based Tourism in Botswana

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has halted tourism worldwide. This shock has led to job losses, loss of livelihoods and overall revenue losses at national and international levels. The pandemic has reinforced the need to develop strong domestic tourism bases. In Botswana, the domestic tourism market has remained largely unexplored and undeveloped. This study aims to estimate domestic tourists’ willingness to embark on domestic tourism during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. Using primary data derived from questionnaires administered online, this study seeks to estimate the residents’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a standard two-day domestic nature-based tourism package and analyse factors influencing residents’ WTP for domestic nature-based tourism. On average, the respondents were willing to pay for a standard two-day domestic nature-based tourism experience package valued at BWP3 340.66 per person sharing. However, some camps charge as high as BWP72 097.62 for a similar package. There is a need to develop plans that promote pricing and product offerings that accommodate domestic tourists without having an impact on the sustainability of natural resources and the integrity of the natural environment