03 Dec 2019

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng, says she looks forward to working with organisers of Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo (BTTE) to enable the tourism industry to make a greater impact on businesses.

Speaking at official opening of the seventh BTTE in Kasane on December 2, Ms Kereng said it was through collaborative efforts of her ministry and stakeholders that Botswana and the global world of tourism could be taken to greater heights.

She said her ministry was committed to creating a conducive environment for businesses, operators, communities and for individuals, adding that together they could build a tourism industry that would have impact on everybody.

Ms Kereng said she was committed to creating an inspiring environment, a well guided programme framework that would ensure systems and operations were conducive for all players.

She assured her audience that she would be inclusive in her approach to ensure everybody had an opportunity to participate in planning and delivering services in the sector.

Ms Kereng stated that her ministry and government aimed at ensuring that Botswana remained priority in the BTTE international participants’ marketing and holiday schedules and would make it easier for them by placing more emphasis on the transformational areas where they could profit, benefit and even contribute to make the country stand out in the global arena.

She noted that the facilitation of tourism sector in Botswana was spread across various ministries.

She cited that she already held talks with the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC) on the issue of culture, adding that she would engage her colleagues in other ministries to harmonise, integrate and build together. 

“We also want to make sure that we facilitate efficient processes for visa so that entry in Botswana is not constrained and focus on advocating for stable air access transportation and make it possible for us to have crafts and sites of interest more appealing,” she said.

She indicated that she started engaging different stakeholders towards addressing the transformational agenda in the ministry, including tourism and also removing all obstacles to create more opportunities.

The minister explained that by getting more players involved would help in the availability of resources, required capacities and having stronger networks that would sustain the industry.

She said the industry had been exemplary in driving the tourism sector with zeal and passion.

Ms Kereng applauded those who extended their businesses and contributed to the national conservation agenda, particularly those involved in the re-introduction of charismatic species such as the rhino.

For nhis part, Chobe MP, Mr Machana Shamukuni congratulated Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) for the growth of BTTE, citing that this year 140 operators were hosted but seven years ago only 60 participated.

He said the numbers showed growth and interest that the operators had in Botswana’s product offering.

Mr Shamukuni assured the minister of Chobe District leadership’s support.  Ends