29 Nov 2021

The adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a lesson on how industries and communities can work together to create resilient and shock responsive economy.

Speaking at the first Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) Golf Day recently, which was held under the theme: Reviving Tourism Industry, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing Development, Dr Thapelo Matsheka urged attendants to reflect on recovery measures to ameliorate the devastating impact of COVID-19, especially on the hospitality and tourism industry.

“As we venture into the new normal, there is need to ensure that the economy created opportunities for all. Through the Reset Agenda, our country is destined to undergo a phenomenal qualitative transformation,”he said.

Dr Matsheka said his ministry was committed to ensuring that adequate infrastructure was provided to support and nurture business, adding that infrastructure determined the size and destination of any investment and tourist inflows.

However, Dr Matsheka explained that government could not achieve this alone, noting that collective approach and ownership was necessary to bring about the much-needed change and propel the nation to greater heights.

He thanked all industry players who did not lay off their staff during the difficult time of COVID-19 and highlighted that he was confident that the economy would bounce back.

HATAB’s Public Affairs & Communications manager, Ms Tebogo Ramakgathi said this was their first HATAB Golf day and the plan was to make it an annual event. 

“Next year we are coming back bigger and better,” she said.

She highlighted that the event attracted over 40 companies, HATAB members, private companies, ministries and parastatals, with 100 players participating. 

“We believe the event was a success, considering the number of players who took part and companies that had stalls as well as the fact that it was the first event,” she said.

Ms Ramakgathi highlighted that the tourism industry was one of the sectors that were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that tourism was about movement and anything that hindered movement was likely to affect the performance of the sector. 

“We therefore believe this event will play its intended aim of reviving the tourism industry,” she said.

She explained HATAB used the event as a day to network, play, do business in a relaxed manner and as a reminder that as the country ventured into the new normal, there was need to work together and make sure the economy created opportunities for all.

Statistic Botswana team emerged victors on the day, winning weekend away at Regent, Indaba hotels as well as spinner roller bags. Second position went to team Wilderness Safaris, winning weekend away at Cycad palms and K-Way gear bags. ends