25 Oct 2022

 Government has embarked on creating an enabling environment for tourism sector growth as it considers its value chain potential critical for economic diversification and job creation.

This was said by President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi when opening the 5th annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum in Gaborone yesterday. 

He said as part of its economic diversification strategy, government sought to broaden the tourism sector base to encourage meaningful citizen involvement and facilitate the development of different businesses from the tourism industry value chain.

"Botswana's business adaptation of the value chain business is underpinned by the values of citizen economic empowerment, job creation, tourism product diversification and investment growth," Dr Masisi said.

He revealed that six areas had been prioritised for value chain development adaptation among them events, cluster, cultural, dams and community project tourism.

The President said the 2021 Botswana Tourism Policy emphasised product development and diversification as a key driver of growth within the tourism industry.

 He said it viewed adventure and cultural tourism as an opportunity to attract more arrivals to complement Botswana’s traditional wildlife tourism offering.

President Masisi said the anticipated increased activity would boost economic activity and generate employment in different geographical locations.

He told his audience that Africa, with its good natural habitat,  should leverage on continental partnerships to boost tourism in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stressing the importance of collaboration, Dr Masisi said  ‘the only way to achieve success and tourism growth and job creation, is by coming together, capitalizing on each other’s strengths and working as one’.

He urged tourism industry players to be innovative in accommodating the needs of the modern traveller, packaging experiences suited to varying preferences and tailoring business to ensure more value for the African economy.

Welcoming delegates, including South Africa, Namibia and Ghana tourism portfolio cabinet ministers, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng said Botswana was proud to have been nominated to host the event for three consecutive years, starting this year.

She said through progressive policies, the country had managed to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and was ready to work with sister African states.

Addressing the meeting virtually, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) secretary general, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili said his organisation would continue to recommend African states to host tourism boosting events in order to revive their economic prospects of investing in education, healthcare and other development indicators.

In addition to those attending virtually, a total of 450 participants from 43 states are physically attending the forum, convened by the African Tourism Partners in collaboration with UNWTO and government through the Botswana Tourism Organisation.ENDS