03 Feb 2025

 Government needs strong entreprises to establish multi-national companies as part of the transformative agenda to place Botswana’s economy on a robust growth trajectory.

Speaking during official opening of the revamped Dumatau lodge operated by Wilderness Safari recently, Minister of Environment and Tourism, Mr Winter Mmolotsi said Wilderness was  one of the companies that could aid government efforts to create more employment opportunities.

 He appreciated that the company born in Botswana over 40 years ago was globally known as it operated some lodges outside Botswana.

“This is a testament that as Botswana we can grow such a global giant in the eco-tourism sector. With the opening of this luxury camp, I must applaud you for taking a significant step towards maintaining a balance between sustainable tourism and environmental conservation in support of the country’s policy of high value low volume tourism in ecologically sensitive areas,” he added.

Mr Mmolotsi also appreciated the significant investment exceeding over P200 million in the development of the camp. 

He said such reflected a strong commitment to enhancing Botswana’s tourism sector citing that the luxurious camp would not only enhance tourism offering, but also contribute to preservation of remarkable biodiversity and the country’s economic growth and diversity.

The minister expressed gratitude that the camp was designed just not to provide comfort and luxury, but also to immerse guests with the authentic beauty and culture of Botswana, while at the same time, providing unique and unmatched wilderness experiences.

In addition to the luxury hospitality offered, Mr Mmolotsi implored staff to also share, and celebrate the cultural heritage by allowing guests to engage with local traditions and communities .

“We want visitors to take a piece of our rich culture home with them, an understanding of who we are, and our stories,” he said.

The minister acknowledged Wilderness Safaris and their partners for continued efforts in conservation and sustainable practices, which he said echoed internationally. 

Their care for the environment, he said was indeed an assurance for a renewable asset and insurance that the fauna and flora would be protected for generations to come.

Mr Mmolotsi was impressed with how Wilderness and their partners were committed to ensuring that Batswana felt the benefits of tourism through employment and education, and appreciative that 97 percent of the employees were Batswana.

“This is commendable and I wish to appreciate your contribution to growing your investments throughout the years and supporting various industries and greatly your corporate social responsibility as demonstrated through various projects and philanthropic work,” he added.

The minister also pledged commitment to resolving the issue of pending lease renewals noting that they entered a business arrangement that required each party to honour their obligations. 

The government, he said was committed to reducing business barriers in all areas in an effort to grow the tourism sector to power the economy forward, and to ensure the returns from tourism were planted back into the local sector while reducing leakages.

“It is our hope that in future we will be able to reduce all the leakages, so that we can get more for our country”, stressed Mr Mmolotsi.

Wilderness Group chief executive officer, Mr Keith Vincent welcomed the new government saying they were excited about their vision going forward and vowed to become a partner towards achieving it.

He appreciated government support, noting that through partnership, the country indeed could be transformed into a global example of a vibrant thriving economy. 

Wilderness, he said had a good history in the country and well known globally because of its good tourism practices in Botswana.

“We pledge our partnership and plan to focus on the future because we have big assets which are our people and we are happy that the government was also eager to ensure the people’s lives are improved,” he added.

Mr Vincent applauded Wilderness’ hard work, saying the facility was re-built during difficult times of COVID 19 outbreak. ENDS