04 Feb 2020

Minister of  Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism says government is committed to a transformational agenda that promotes ease of doing business.

Ms Philda Kereng said this when officially launching Tourism Licensing and Information System (TOLIS) in Maun recently.

Ms Kereng said TOLIS was a significant development in the transformation of the tourism industry.

She said TOLIS also provided online fee payment services for tourism processes, which would help to cut costs for tourism operators.

She added that about 2 232 tourism businesses countrywide had thus far used the online system.

Nonetheless, she expressed concern about the low uptake of TOLIS in Maun since the programme was rolled out last year.

Ms Kereng, therefore, urged the Maun tourism business community to make use of the online service programme.

TOLIS was conceptualised in 2017 and piloted in Maun and Gaborone then rolled out throughout the country last year.

The modern day, she said, was reliant on technology that was why TOLIS was introduced to improve service delivery and bring innovative solutions.

Minister Kereng said the series of events in Maun marked her 100 days pledge in office, which included launching of Old Matlapana Bridge, World Wetlands day activities as well as TOLIS.

In his remarks, Hotel and Tourism Hospital Association of Botswana (HATAB) vice chairperson, Mr David Kays welcomed the TOLIS initiative, saying it would help the tourism industry to do business in a relaxed manner. ENDS