02 Jul 2024

Tapyowa NG 32 Experience initiative has potential to diversify the tourism product through cultural tourism and provide tourists with a variety of experience, North West district commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka has said.

Speaking at the second edition of Tapyowa NG 32 Experience held at Xaxaba settlement, Okavango Delta, he said the event had grown in leaps and bounds and attracted a lot of attention both locally and internationally.

Launched in 2023 by Okavango Kopano Mokoro Community Trust (OKMCT), the initiative is a local tourism product that targets tourists who want to experience the beauty of famous Okavango Delta using mokoro or traditional dugout canoe.

Mr Waloka appreciated that the event was characterised by activities such as mokoro race, storytelling, cultural activities and games among others and hailed the trust for making efforts to differentiate the country’s product as well as exposing the destination to intensive competition from neighbouring countries“Tourism product diversification is significant more so that we competing with other countries such as South Africa and Kenya. We need to do something different to distinguish our tourism from other countries with unique products,” he added.

Mr Waloka also acknowledged that diversification also boost tourism businesses to remain relevant and competitive in an ever changing industry.

While he appreciated that Botswana had been rated as the best tourism destination, he said a lot had to be done to sustain the standard more so that diversification also led to sustainable development.

Mr Waloka appreciated that the mokoro race was a unique and attractive activity as it also empowered polers as well as promoted social economic benefits to the community.“This activity can also play a positive role in growing the economy and creating employment opportunities for locals. It has contributed immensely to the business sector,” he stressed.

OKMCT trust manager, Mr Seikaneng Moepedi said that the event had attracted more spectators and partners compared to last year, citing the collaboration between government and Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) with the trust.Through the event, he said they celebrated rich cultural heritage of the delta and the lifestyle of the communities residing in the delta and their concession NG32.

Mr Moepedi acknowledged that government has realized the importance of the event citing that this year, ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture and HRDC and some of their partners such as Machaba supported the event finically to make it bigger and better.Mr Moepedi revealed that the ministry invested P115 000 towards the activity and also appreciated the enlisting of the event in Botswana Tourism Organization calendar of events saying it showed its growth.

He said the event was a success as it attracted a lot of attention. “This is an indication that most people were eager to appreciate the beauty and magnificent features of the delta as well as experience mokoro excursions.”

“This experience does not only capture the mokoro race, but it would also give the community an opportunity to promote their indigenous knowledge and I am impressed with the attendance and I hope next year we will see more spectators,” said Mr Moepedi.

He also said the event had brought economic returns to the communities citing that it provided an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to display and market their products and services. ENDS