18 May 2015

 Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng, says sport tourism has potential to diversify the country's economy.

Speaking at the Wesbank Botswana International Air Show at Rasesa over the weekend, Olopeng said it was encouraging to see the show, which was on its third year growing in leaps and bounds.

“It is important for government to partner with and support the players in the industry in order to grow it further,” he said.

The minister noted that there were lot of young people who aspired to be pilots and those who were already pilots. He added that it was for government to ensure that the show was promoted countrywide to generate youth interest so that they could have an opportunity to participate in future.

The minister appreciated the huge crowd of spectators and exhibitors at the show. For his part, Wesbank deputy director, Justine Basiame said part of the proceeds from the show would go to charity as part of their drive to give back to the community.

She said this year the show had attracted a lot of people something she said has helped them gain mileage on their brand as well as for other businesses. Ends