…poised to benefit from Cape Town’s F1 Grand Prix bid, says LCT boss 

But infrastructure gaps loom, warns Central Bank economist 

TEBOHO KHATEBE MOLEFI

MASERU – As Cape Town’s bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix gains momentum, Lesotho’s tourism sector could reap significant rewards – but only if critical infrastructure and policy gaps are addressed, experts caution. 

Advocate Makhetha Motšoari, CEO of the Lesotho Council of Tourism (LCT), has urged the country to strategically position itself to maximize the benefits of Cape Town’s bid to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

While the race itself would take place in South Africa, Motšoari emphasized that the event would attract hundreds of thousands of high-spending spectators, media, and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world – many visiting the region for the first time. 
Thanks to its proximity to Cape Town and major South African entry points, Lesotho can serve as an ideal add-on destination for international tourists, Motšoari continued, highlighting potential opportunities in post-race retreats (luxury lodges and mountain resorts), adventure tourism (pony-trekking and mountain biking), cultural experiences (festivals and village tourism) as well as eco-tourism (the Maluti and nature reserves).

He said with proper planning, Lesotho could tap into the anticipated M180 billion in regional investment spillovers across accommodation, transport, hospitality and rural enterprises.

To capitalize on this opportunity, Motšoari called for targeted investments in accommodation – Eco-lodges, boutique hotels and resorts along key routes from Cape Town, especially in Mokhotlong, Qacha’s Nek and Leribe; and adventure and cultural tourism – upgraded experiences to meet international standards.

“Improved shuttle services, tour buses, and air connectivity from South Africa. Open-air concert venues, cultural hubs and markets are key to this success. On the food and beverages department we need the promotion of local cuisine, the Maluti Premium Lager as well as the general culinary tourism. Not forgetting digital infrastructure in terms of enhanced online booking systems, digital marketing and smart tourism tools,” Advocate Motšoari proposed.

He stressed the need for a government-led, multi-sectoral approach involving the tourism, planning and foreign affairs ministries to formalize partnerships with the Cape Town F1 City Development Consortium.

“We should launch national branding campaigns such as ‘Visit Lesotho After F1’ to attract international visitors, while also introducing private sector incentives for infrastructure upgrades and service improvements – inclusive of strategic diplomatic lobbying to include Lesotho in F1 legacy programmes that will focus on training and youth motorsport development,” he continued.

The LCT boss believes local tourism stakeholders must act now by also forming own consortiums to secure funding for bankable projects, upgrading facilities and service standards to align with global expectations. 

He said local stakeholders should also start strengthening their digital presence in Google and Airbnb listings while also maintaining a social media presence. 

He also identified partnering with South African tour operators to include Lesotho in F1 travel packages, training staff in hospitality, digital bookings and intercultural communication as other key areas that need focus.

This F1 bid presents a golden opportunity for Lesotho to leap into a new era of tourism-driven economic growth – but only if preparations begin immediately, Motšoari asserts, indicating that the event could be a game-changer for the Mountain Kingdom if strategic preparations begin now.

While the race would take place in South Africa, the F1 Grand Prix is expected to attract over 300 000 high-net-worth visitors, including celebrities, corporate leaders and motorsport fans from around the world. Many will extend their stay to explore the region – and Lesotho’s untapped adventure, culture and luxury offerings could make it a prime secondary destination.

“This isn’t just about one race,” Motšoari emphasized. “It’s about putting Lesotho on the map as a must-visit African destination and unlocking long-term investment.”

Retšelisitsoe Mabote, Principal Economist at the Central Bank of Lesotho, agrees: “Supporting Cape Town’s bid enhances Lesotho’s global visibility and could attract foreign direct investment. But we must be realistic: our current tourism infrastructure isn’t ready.”

Mabote highlighted key hurdles that include limited high-standard accommodation with fewer than five establishments currently meeting international benchmarks; a weak road infrastructure with border transport and internal routes in need of upgrades to handle VIP and mass tourist flows. 

“There are also economic constraints. Limited fiscal space for public-sector-led development.  To make worthwhile progress towards this goal we need a two-pronged strategy – with government as facilitator to fast-track public-private partnerships for hotels, eco-lodges and road upgrades.

But this could elevate Lesotho’s profile as a unique adventure and cultural tourism destination, increasing tourism’s GDP contribution and creating jobs. However, the high costs, infrastructure challenges, and potential social impacts require careful planning.”

“This is a golden chance,” says Motšoari.

“But without immediate action, we will watch the F1 economic engine roar past us.”

Mabote adds: “Government must create the runway – private investors will bring the fuel.”