27 Sep 2022

Ms Wapula Pule-Matshambane of Kasane plans to engage in green tourism in an effort to help diversify the sector.

In an interview, Ms Pule-Matshambane, who is a conservationist, said she preferred green tourism it did not harm the environment.

Green tourism, she said, could support communities as well as provide more enjoyable experiences for tourists through meaningful connections with local people and a greater understanding of cultural, social and environmental issues.

Ms Pule-Matshambane intends to open a conservation research centre in Chobe and Ngamiland, lamenting, however, that securing land was a serious challenge.

She said through the centre, she wanted to advance environmental goals and respond to international interests in preserving grassland species and ecosystem.

The facility, she said, would also offer accommodation for conservationists, researchers and tourists, who would conduct research or appreciate the beauty of the wilderness.

“I have sourced funding and my intention is to start in Kasane and as time goes one, open another one in the famous Okavango Delta in the Ngamiland district. These two areas have the true wilderness and a huge emotional appeal to the growing global tourism market. Currently I am stuck because I have no land to achieve my dream,” she added.

Ms Pule-Matshambane said offering something unique would be ideal as there were many choices on offer.

The vibrant young woman has worked for Air Botswana and currently runs a business that specialises in events management and corporate travel.

She is also working with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to promote citizens’ participation in the tourism sector.

Ms Pule-Matshambane is a member of Voice for Guides Chobe Botswana, an organisation that focuses on promoting domestic tourism and marketing tourism areas as destinations of choice.

She said Batswana were capable of participating in the industry, provided they were given support in terms of land and access to finances.

She recently traversed the delta to appreciate the lifestyles of communities residing in it as well as to push domestic tourism.

She visited Khwai, Gumare and the Okavango Panhandle, with a view to visit 100 per cent citizen-owned facilities and community based lodges.

She also wanted to identify lodges to work with in her mission to promote domestic tourism as well as encourage Batswana to consider tapping into tourism opportunities and eventually create employment for others.

Ms Pule-Matshambane appreciated that the majority of Batswana had the hospitality and other requisites to run thriving businesses. ENDS