Effects of COVID 19 on Ecotourism in Lesotho: A Thematic Analysis of Challenges, Coping Strategies and Lessons Learned

Abstract

Ecotourism has received academic recognition since the1980s appreciating its potential to generate socio-economic benefits to local destinations. However, travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19 have had devastating effects on the sector. The purpose of this exploratory study is to assess the challenges and coping strategies of an ecotourism venture at Malea-lea, Lesotho. Using thematic analysis, the study reports on fifteen qualitative interviews with the management and beneficiaries of Malea-lea Development Trust’s corporate social responsibility. Major results are that the Trust is facing financial challenges as a result of restrictions on movement hindering it from achieving its social responsibility obligations, the coping strategies included using skills acquired during HIV and AIDS pandemic to address challenges imposed by COVID-19 and promoting local tourism to fill the void created by lack of international tourists. The implication of the study is that local tourism could be promoted in Lesotho. The study recommends financial and technical support to ecotourism enterprises and proximate communities to circumvent negative impacts of COVID-19. The study contributes to dearth of literature on COVID-19, ecotourism and CSR in Lesotho highlighting that local tourism is possible post COVID-19 and that ecotourism venture could contributes to the livelihoods of local communities.