14 Sep 2022

Collaboration between government and other stakeholders towards diversifying the tourism sector in Chobe can, result in the area significantly contributing to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Contributing to Botswana-EU National Productivity and Competitiveness Policy and Strategy development dialogue on Monday, Mr Frank Limbo of Chobe Heritage Safaris and Tours said being strategically located at a quadripoint and also a transit point, Chobe was the ideal market for goods.

Mr Limbo said the Human Resource Development Centre as the advisor of workplace learning, should be taken onboard to ensure trainees were upto speed on issues pertaining to productivity.

Business Botswana Chobe Chapter - chairperson, Ms Jeanette Lindstrom concurred with Mr Limbo and said it was necessary to diversify tourism, to ensure continuity throughout the year. She said with abundant water from the Zambezi River, industries could be set up in Chobe, to address unemployment within the district and beyond.

Ms Tracy Wallace of Silver Trials Travel and Tours said since the country was struggling with competitiveness and productivity, there was need to encompass productivity modules in the school curriculum, to teach future employees early on that offering a service to clients was not a favour.

Mr Rodgers Sibanda of Wild Africa Safaris said while tourism was regarded as one of the big contributors to GDP, he was concerned that shortcuts by some institutions offering tourism related subjects could negatively impact on good performance.

He suggested that institutions should include the industry, to ensure trainees engaged in practical work as opposed to putting emphasis on theory.

Ms Shiyani Tsietso of Chobe Game Lodge said for tourism to continue contributing significantly to the GDP there was need for other sectors such as airlines to up their game.

Ms Tsietso said it was necessary to review the minimum wage as there was correlation between the remuneration and productivity.

In her remarks Chobe acting district commissioner, Ms Gofaone Moremi assured stakeholders that the district leadership would work together to improve productivity. She said she was hopeful that the Presidential Reset Agenda would bring about the much needed change.  ENDS