10 Aug 2015

National Museum and Monument director, Gaogakwe Phorano says the Okavango Delta listing as a World Heritage Site upsurges business opportunities in the hospitality industry in the Okavango district.

Phorano said the fact that the Okavango Delta was listed as the 1000^th United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in June last year in Doha, Qatar meant more tourists would be attracted to appreciate the pristine features of the Delta.

Thus, he advised locals in the Okavango Delta vicinity to be alive to opportunities in the hospitality industry and provide necessary accommodation.

Briefing the media in Maun about the upcoming sequential celebrations of the listing of the Delta set for Maun and Shakawe respectively, Phorano noted that an influx of tourists was realised after listing of the Tsodilo Hills years ago.

He added that the Tsodilo community had found a niche in guides’ profession and curio shops, amongst others. 

Phorano further indicated that between 16 000 and 20 000 tourists visited Tsodilo Hills, adding the listing of the Delta also brought the advantage of research funding, a positive development for both the community and government. He also added that young people from villages around the Delta would benefit through training in tourism related courses to benefit from the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Botlogile Tshireletso is expected to be guest speaker at the Shakawe celebration on August 15.

Minister for Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama is also expected to officiate at the Maun celebrations scheduled for August 21.

Furthermore, Phorano said the sequential celebration of the listing of the Okavango Delta as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Maun and Shakawe were purported to appreciate the community and stakeholders who made it possible for the Delta to be recognised for its pristine beauty He said the community, private sector, government departments and other institutions such as the Okavango Research Institute, the Botswana Guides Association (HATAB) and the media played an important role. ENDS