29 Jun 2016

With Friday being a holiday and people looking forward to a well needed rest courtesy of an extended weekend after the gruelling Toyota 1000km Desert Race, air enthusiasts seem to be headed for another showdown at Lekhubu Island which would be hosting the Race for Rhinos campaign.

Speaking at a press briefing, Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama said this would be the second time the country hosts the campaign having hosted it last year.

“The Race for Rhinos campaign is a non-traditional tourism activity that can diversify tourism and in the past years, the event was held in various places in South Africa and it came to Botswana in 2015,” he said.

He indicated that there would be 67 aircrafts racing and in between doing stunts.

He said the aim of the campaign is to raise awareness and funds for endangered species.

“The money raised from entry fees will be given to Tlhokomela Trust which was set up under Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and it was set up to make sure that funds are used properly,” he said.

Khama further said the reason a trust was established with a link to government was to create credibility. “We realised that most people seemed to be using Botswana’s good name to raise funds for endangered species and there was no accountability, hence we set up Tlhokomela Trust,” he said.

Khama noted that his ministry along with BTO will continue exploring any other avenue that promotes tourism and for Batswana to participate fully.

Speaking on other events to follow, minister Khama indicated that the Makgadikgadi Epic is slated for July 14-17.

He said Botswana Defence Force is fully on board and will assist with aircrafts to be used for skydiving and other activities.

“In the first year we held it, the pans were full of water, second year it was empty and this time around they are full again,” he said, adding that that is the niche that attracts people to come see the beauty of the pans when they descend from above.

Khama further indicated that they are working on finding other activities that will keep Batswana there longer instead of being just spectators.

With regards to long lasting benefits for communities around those areas, Khama said they are planning on building a campsite for the people at Lekhubu Island so as to benefit long term. “As for Makgadikgadi Epic, we have decided that we will take over the building of a campsite, curio shop and build a gate for them so that they can attract tourists,” he said.

Khama also said on August 13-20, Kasane would host the Strongman Competition which will be a first for the country.

“Over 32 television stations will be covering the event and it will be seen in a little over 72 countries broadcast to over 400 million people,” he said, adding that this is also an opportunity for tourism to grow in Botswana.

Minister Khama further said on September 24, there will be a Gaborone International Airshow at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport that is aimed at celebrating 50 years of aviation in Botswana. “It will be the biggest in Southern Africa as we are looking to bring air forces out of Africa to come and participate,” he said.

For her part, marketing manager at Botswana Tourism Organisation, Jillian Blackbeard said seven aircrafts from the United Arab Emirates will be at the airshow.

“BDF will also be playing a crucial role in the event,” she said.

Speaking on the Strongman Competition planned for Kasane, Blackbeard said the opportunity presented by such an event for Botswana’s tourism is massive.

“Even the business community will benefit. Over 1200 rooms have already been booked by organisers of the event,” she said. Ends