11 Aug 2024

The opening of Grays Eden Sanctuary Boutique hotel project is testament of Botswana’s effort towards attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), says His Excellency President Dr Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi.

The P45-million facility, situated along the banks of the Thamalakane River at Matlapana ward, is the first of its kind and it is a partnership between the owners, Sam and Sandrine Morris and Ker & Downey Botswana, a subsidiary of Chobe Holdings Company.

Speaking during the official opening of the hotel on Saturday, President Masisi said the facility signified the growing importance of tourism in Botswana and ushered in a new era of offering visitors a great opportunity to experience a five star service, only 50m from the river in Maun.

He commended Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC) for the important role it played in facilitating the project, saying the successful delivery of the facility was a good example of what team work could achieve. 

The momentous journey of the project, he said, started in London in April 2018 when the Morris family came into contact with BITC and took a decision to relocate from United Kingdom to Botswana in 2021 where they ultimately opted to purchase a piece of land for the facility.

“Today we are here to celebrate the grand opening of the facility which equates with the solemnisation of a perfect marriage with all the attributes of a long life and remarkable partnership that should endure between Ker & Downey and Grays Eden Sanctuary Boutique hotel,” he added.

President Masisi acknowledged the perseverance, patience and determination of all investors who embraced each other’s vision in the partnership. 

He commended Chobe Holdings for being a standard bearer and encouraged the company’s leadership to pursue other partnerships as they broaden their footprint locally and expand their reach beyond their borders.

The investors, he said could have chosen any other country but they chose the peaceful and tranquil Botswana, a country that had for many years been credited for its efforts in conserving the flora and fauna.

The country, he said, had remained steadfast in ensuring it remained a top destination of tourism, adding that it was not surprising that this year, the country was also voted Africa’s best for safari by safari bookings.

Dr Masisi said the accol­ades were not rare to Botswana as most of its facilities had over the years been ranked the best not only in Africa but throughout the world.

The importance of tourism sector in any economy, he said, could not be over-emphasised as it provided opportunities for developing countries to create jobs; grow innovative firms, finance the conservation of natural land and cultural assets as well as increase economic empowerment especially for women who comprised the majority of the tourism sector's workforce.

He said according to the World Bank Policy brief on Tourism and Competitiveness before coronavirus pandemic, tourism was the world’s largest service provider, providing one in ten jobs worldwide, which was almost seven per cent of all international trade and 25 per cent of the world’s service exports, a critical foreign exchange generator.

Data from the Botswana Economic and Financial Statistics of 2024,  Dr Masisi said confirmed that in 2023, the tourism sector comprising of transport and storage, accommodation and food services contributed P10.3 billion to the country’s Gross Domestic Product of which accommodation and food services alone valued at P4.3 billion.

“This signifies the tourism sector’s potential in contributing to foreign exchange earnings for our country’s diversification drive and I am reliably informed that Grays Eden has invested around P45 million on this project with current employment of 40 staff members and it is anticipated that at full operation the facility will employ 60 staff members,” he added.

Dr Masisi said the occasion marked not only the launch of the new establishment but also a significant milestone in the government journey towards economic growth, tourism development and empowerment of the local communities.

Tourism, he said was not only a source of revenue but also an engine of economic growth, a bridge that connected cultures and a catalyst of development noting that in Botswana, the sector had the potential to transform lives and drive the nation towards sustainable future.

The new hotel, he said would also be a useful addition in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Entertainment (MICE) strategy.

The founder of the Grays Eden, Mr Sam Morris thanked BITC for its assistance and support throughout the journey to bring the facility to life. 

He also appreciated the support of the district leadership and the community to ensure the success of the project, noting they sourced materials in Maun and surrounding areas in an effort to empower the community.

Upholding community empowerment, he said was paramount as it showed how the company valued their contribution. 

Mr Morris said beauty of the facility would be cherished by all visitors and future generations. Ends