28 Feb 2021

Maun Administration Authority councillors say requirements to operate some tourism businesses hindered local participation.

The councillors made the remarks during a council session recently, following an update by the Department of Tourism a.

The North West District Council chairperson, Mr Kebareeditse Ntsogotho said it was good that tourism Category C license was reserved for Batswana, but said requirements to obtain it prevented some Batswana from venturing into the business. 

Mr Ntsogotho urged the Department of Tourism to ensure culture and heritage tourism was explored in the country, as the world was moving in that direction, to diversify from wildlife tourism.

Councillor for Senonnori/Boro, Mr Kenson Kgaga said the requirements for Category C license, such as a converted safari model vehicle and office space prevented young people from penetrating the tourism industry.

Mr Kgaga said in the past, mobile safari companies operated from homes and used hired vehicles, which made it easier for more people to acquire licenses.

“One can run his/her mobile safari using a phone and hiring a vehicle from rental companies. 

Allow people to get licenses,” he said.

Councillor for Bojanala ward, Mr Luke Motlaleselelo said there were some lodges that offered mokoro trips, although the licenses for such were reserved for locals. 

He therefore said such lodges should outsource the mokoro services to locals.

In response, the Department of Tourism representative in Maun, Mr Mooketsa Rakgala said the department appreciated that office rental was expensive, therefore tourism businesses were allowed to operate from home, provided they were duly licensed by the council and underwent inspection by the Department of Tourism.

Regarding vehicles, Mr Rakgala said even leased vehicles were recognised for issuance of a license as a way to ease doing business for Batswana.

On other matters, he said the department was experiencing challenges of some illegal tourism businesses such as illegal bed and breakfasts, which were mushrooming in the district. ends