22 Aug 2023

Okavango Wilderness Safari is looking at ways to partner with local suppliers to promote value chain development in the tourism industry.

The company board chairperson, Mr Kabelo Binns said this when addressing stakeholders at a recent cocktail held to celebrate the company’s 40 years of existence.

Mr Binns said the conservation and hospitality company in its effort to adjust to government mindset change initiative, has planned to empower and support local businesses by procuring local products such as soaps, food stuff and jewellery.

He said in December this year, they would be conducting a nationwide search for SMMEs’ products for their first local product luxury safari expo.

Mr Binns appealed to the very best from Botswana to come and share what they could offer to  enhance hospitality.

The Okavango Wilderness Safari, he said was committed to ensuring that value chain development became a reality.

He also said currently over P1.6 billion had been paid in sourcing goods and services locally.

Wilderness, he said, was a world leading safari company proudly founded in 1983 in Botswana.

The company operates over 60 camps and lodges, 22 of which are in Botswana while the others were in other seven African states.

“Flowing through our veins is not only national pride, but national commitment of giving back to this incredible country.

We are determined to support small businesses and ensure they benefit from the tourism value chain.

We buy our products and  ingredients from local suppliers, partners and proverbial back yard gardens,” he added.

Mr Binns also revealed that the company’s impact strategy was designed and implemented in an effort to provide promising opportunities and address threats to biodiversity.

“We do this via a tripartite strategy of empowerment, education and protection.

Our business creates value for wilderness and wildlife simply by employment and supporting small business to reduce reliance on natural resources,” he said.

To date, he said the company had over 1 100 employees and 96 per cent were citizens, while over P1 billion had been paid in salaries over the last 10 years, as well as P672 million to government.

Mr Binns also described the Okavango Wilderness Safari as the trainer of the industry.

He appreciated the stakeholders support in their journey and implored them to continue working closely with tourism operators to ensure a sustainable development of the tourism industry.

Tourism, he said was a significant economic sector that provided a real prospect for enduring and inclusive economy.

Wilderness chief of staff, Mr Dawson Ramsden concurred that they had been making determined efforts to help grow and support all in value chain for the industry and beyond. ENDS