08 Feb 2022

In an effort to diversify tourism products available in Ngamiland region, Maun based Alson James has initiated a quad bike adventure at Tsanakona area along the Thamalakane area.
He said the idea was conceptualised in 2020 amidst COVID 19, adding that despite the challenging period, he said he was motivated as Batswana welcomed the activity.

Mr James who is not  new in the tourism industry, has worked for several tourism companies for years where he gained experience in running the business.
He also owns a travel and tours business transport visitors for leisure around Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

In an interview, he revealed that sport tourism was a relatively new concept although it has been around for a long time in some areas across the country.
In Ngamiland, he said the concept was not popular as tourists were mostly treated to activities such as game drives, boat cruising, scenic flights, bush walks among others but there was nothing much related to sports tourism hence the quad bike  initiative.

The project, has enjoyed support from hospitality business in Maun as  most hotels and lodges had included quad bikes activity in their packages.  
“Currently, I am the only one offering such unique activity in the region,” he said.

He said since he did not have enough bikes, he sometimes fail to honour bookings, especially during holidays.  
However, he said he was proud to be living his dream despite the challenges such as inadequate budget.
Efforts to approach financial institutions, he said were futile as he could not meet the requirements and instead used his savings to kick start the project.

He stated that he did not give up and let challenges demoralize him because he was eager to make a difference in the tourism industry by coming up with the initiative.
Mr James revealed that bike adventure was a very different experience as it helps one to feel recharged and refreshed.

During rides, he said there were some stop-overs to give riders an opportunity to interact more with the environment and take in more of the overall experience of travelling.

“I believe travel should be about being in a place not just passing through and there is no better way to engage with a new land and culture than from the bike saddle. We share Ngamiland community lifestyle and introduce them to our traditional vegetable commonly known as “Tswii’ which is always floating along the river,” he added.

However, James pointed out that funds permitting he intends to expand the project to make it more exciting by adding more activities like a campsite, swimming pool and target shooting activity at his a farm located next to the river.

He also aims to increase the bikes targeting the upcoming annual Mascom Derby to be held during Easter Holidays in Maun.
He believes that sport tourism provides social and economic opportunities for locals as well as visitors tourists.

He urged the youth to use  every opportunity they get to start businesses.
He said they should surround themselves with positive people as they had the power to influence them in many ways. ends