07 Nov 2023

The completion of the National Tourism Strategy and 10 year Master Plan of 2023-2033 has defined the country into eight Tourism Development areas intended to spread tourism activities beyond traditional destinations.

In his State of the Nation Address in Gaborone on Monday, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said the special planning framework was important as it would facilitate the tourism offering through the exploitation of the rich historical culture and heritage.

Dr Masisi said the most notable offering was the Kasane-Kazungula re-development, which transformed the Chobe into a high-value tourism destination.

He said the government stood steadfast to facilitate annual events to stimulate domestic and inbound travel as part of diversifying the tourism offering, the Makgadikgadi Epic, Xere Annual Festival, Toyota Gazoo Desert Race and the Domboshaba Cultural Event.

He also said the events had begun to attract international audiences.

He pleaded with Batswana to change their hospitality mindset to be more positive and deliver more memorable experiences to the visitors because all stood to benefit economically, socially and culturally through hosting events.

He said it was expected that over time, private businesses would assume full responsibility for the events as part of enabling the private sector-led economy.

Dr Masisi said as part of a deliberate and intentional economic diversification strategy, Botswana was on an over-drive to establish herself as the destination of choice for hosting meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE).

As a result, he said, in keeping with their commitment, numerous events brought thousands of international participants had been hosted across the country.

He said the benefits of hosting such events included a diversity of spin-offs for several sectors embracing hotel and hospitality, retail and transport.

Dr Masisi said the development of the MICE strategy had been concluded and would guide the management of events for optimal impact. Part of implementing the strategy would include the establishment of a MICE Coordinating Structure, which would facilitate and coordinate all MICE-related activities in Botswana.He implored Batswana and the tourism industry to take the opportunity and ownership of the strategy. It would help improve the public and private facilities, including refinement of standards and hosting skills.

Dr Masisi said opportunities for hosting events of international standards continued to be created, particularly in the value-creating space as marketing, rapporteuring, protocoling and fee-based tours.  ENDS