09 Aug 2016

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism says the benefits of tourism to Botswana’s economy are not stagnant as demonstrated by annual revenues from the sector and its continuous growth.

Answering a question in Parliament on Monday, Mr Tshekedi Khama said government had put in place various interventions to increase tourism growth and citizen participation particularly with respect to access to land.

He indicated that his ministry had secured tourism land bank and its regulation to allow for more access and control by citizens in tourism development.

“We are currently relaxing requirements for some of the former hunting concession areas with a view to allocating them for tourism development by Batswana,” he said, further adding that in the ministry’s drive to diversify tourism and allow more participation by Batswana, expressions of interest would be issued for tourism development by communities in the 100 monuments and heritage sites across the country.

He further said 10 campsites are open for development of tourism facilities in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) with preference for Batswana and an EOI is under preparation for this initiative.

“Three to Five sites are to be identified for tourism development within the Okavango Delta by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) in partnership with Batswana,” said Mr Khama.

Mr Khama further said potential tourism areas such as Makgadikgadi Pans, CKGR and KTP are earmarked for citizens and community based natural resources management (CBNRM), an initiative that is meant to enhance local participation in tourism businesses.

He said in order to further ensure Batswana compete for the tourism market in the global community, the ministry has an agreement in place where Batswana are encouraged and facilitated to participate in tourism expo.

“We will be reviving the annual tourism pitso to share with and guide Batswana on global tourism markets and create general awareness in the industry,” he said, adding that Batswana are also encouraged and facilitated to partner with experienced operators regionally and internationally in order to widen their knowledge and entrepreneurship in tourism.

Member of Parliament for Francistown East Mr Buti Billy had asked the minister if he is aware that the benefits of tourism to Botswana’s economy remain stagnant and that Batswana still find it difficult to secure prime land in the country for tourism.

He also asked the minister how is his ministry  was  assisting Batswana in penetrating the tourism sector and to state plans to ensure that Batswana compete for the tourism market in this globalised world. Ends