GABORONE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tourism contributes nearly 5 percent to Botswana's GDP and saw close to 2 million visitors to the country in 2016, according to data released Tuesday.

The data, compiled with the help of the United Nations World Tourism Organization, found that tourism contributes 4.9 percent directly to Botswana's GDP, up from 3.9 percent from 2009, the last time Botswana and the UN teamed up to compile tourism statistics.

According to the numbers, Botswana received 1.9 million visitors which generated 1.5 billion U.S. dollars in 2016. Tourism employed about 18,670 people in the country.

The length of stay has increased from 5.32 nights in 2009 to 6.75 nights in 2016.

The government said the tourism sector is of value to Botswana because of its ability to provide jobs, contribute to revenues and build skills.

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