29 Sep 2014

Tourism continues to play a critical role in the diversification process of the economy, Acting Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Dr Gloria Somolekae has said.

Officiating at the national World Tourism day commemorations in Lobatse on Thursday, September 25, Dr Somolekae said tourism is recognised all over the world as one of the largest economic activities.

“Tourism is indeed poised to become one of the leading economic sectors,”she said. She said tourism is a people- based economic activity built on social interaction, and as such, she said can only flourish if it engages the local population by contributing to their social values.

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, she said has made deliberate efforts to ensure meaningful participation of local communities in tourism by reserving activities which are not capital intensive for Batswana.

She also explained that the ministry has taken an initiative to promote cluster development within the tourism sector in recognition of the fruits that a well maintained chain would bring to the economy.

She highlighted that Lobatse was consciously selected for the commemoration of the day as an effort to intensify efforts to economic diversification through tourism product development and to raise country wide awareness of the Lobatse tourism potential.

The day, she said was also meant to further sensitise residents of the town and its surrounding villages on tourism and available business opportunities. For her part, Lobatse Mayor Ms Caroline Lesang said Lobatse is a vibrant town with an immense tourism potential which is yet to be harnessed.

Lobatse, she said has the most scenic landscape coupled with rich historical monuments and the rich history of the country. She appreciated the Department of Tourism for having selected Lobatse as the host of the day adding that the gesture will go a long way in unlocking the tourism potential in the town.

“I believe this event will mark a turning point in this town’s tourism development initiatives,” she said. Ms Lesang called on investors who have a passion to take advantage of the immense tourism comparative advantage in the town and invest in Lobatse.

Botswana Tourism Organisation acting chief executive officer Mr Brian Dithebe told attendants to pay attention to Lobatse’s landscape as it is quite a unique one, giving the town a unique image. “I see a bright future for it to be in the world map as a tourism destination place,” he said. ENDS