To promote local participation and empowerment in the tourism sector, the Botswana government has reserved 45 wilderness campsites for development.

"The process of allocation of the campsites is at an advanced stage and evaluation of the bids will start soon," said Onalenna Mokgachane, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism.

The campsites were at some of the country's prime tourism destinations, said Mokgachane, and include Khutse Game Reserve, Central Kgalagadi Game Reserve and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, for allocation to 100% locally owned companies and consortiums.

The Ministry will also open up forest reserves for tourism development, with sites identified for lodges, campsites and other tourism activities.