29 Sep 2014

A consultant engaged by the Human Resource Development Council to develop the Tourism Sector Human Resource Development Plan, Prof. Hoosen Rassol says the sector has to do more in terms of employment creation in order to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Prof Rassol noted that the sector was the second largest contributor towards GDP which makes it a major source of revenue and one of the main drivers of economic diversification.

He said the direct contribution of the sector is expected to grow by 5.0 pe rcent by 2023. He told stakeholders in the tourism sector during a workshop to share with them the Tourism Sector Human Resource Development Plan, that the sector makes a significant contribution to GDP since it was labour intensive.

He said the sector is viewed as a catalyst for job creation, sustainable economic development in remote and rural areas and key to achieving some of the objectives of Botswana’s Vision 2016 objectives of prosperity and growth.

Prof Rassol said in a study conducted, it has been indicated that the sector is moving steadily since 2003 and has generated 31 500 jobs directly in 2012 which is 4.7 per cent of total employment adding that it is forecasted to grow by 3.7 per cent in 2013 to 32 500 jobs.

He pointed out that included employment by hotels, travel agents, airlines and other passenger transportation services excluding commuter services. “It also includes the activities of the restaurant and leisure industries directly supported by tourists,” he said.

Prof. Rassol observed that by 2023 the sector would account for 42 000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.6 per cent pa over the next 10 years.

He said the total contribution of the sector to employment including wider effects from investment, the supply chain and induced income impacts was 61 000 jobs in 2012 which is 9.1per cent of total employment.

He said by 2023 the sector is forecast to support 83 000 jobs, 9.8per cent of total employment an increase of 2.4per cent per annum over the period. Prof Rasool said the debates surrounding diversification of the Botswana economy was at the heart of government policy and has been outlined in a number of official documents.

“At the heart of the issue is the fact that Botswana has achieved impressive growth rates over the past 20 years and this has been dependent on the revenue earned from diamonds and on the downside this is not labour intensive and is also subject to large price fluctuations,” he added.

However, he said most importantly, the diamonds were expected to run out in the next 15 years adding that something needs to replace the revenue earned from their export.

He said government has embarked on a diversification and employment program and that tourism has been targeted as one of the sectors for facilitating process.

For her part, head of human resources development planning and monitoring from the Human Resources Development Council, Ms Nancy Diphupu said in 2009, government developed and approved a National Human Resource Development Strategy for Botswana (NHRDS).

The NHRD Strategy, she explained is a macro-level policy initiative that seeks to make a concerted effort to develop quality and relevant skills in large numbers to ensure that the Botswana economy transforms and diversifies.

“Basically, NHRDS seeks to ensure that the skills and competencies needed by various sectors and industries for the production of goods and services are available in the economy.”

The strategy, she noted highlights that for Botswana to successfully address the rapidly changing national context as well as a highly competitive global marketplace, she will depend on the skills of its people. ENDS