04 Feb 2025

With the tourism industry now showing signs of improvement post COVID 19, operators have been encouraged to take advantage of the situation and improve their establishments.

The call was made by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) chief executive officer, Ms Keitumetse Setlang in an interview  recently. 

She said the current tourism outlook was considered quite positive with reports indicating a strong rebound in travel activity globally leading to increased economic activity.

She motivated operators to take advantage of the situation, citing that the travel fairs facilitated by BTO also gave them an opportunity to meet and interact with global travel agents around the world to sell packages for Botswana.

Ms Setlang also appreciated that the expositions provided a platform for the global tourism industry to meet on a one-on-one basis with Botswana tourism industry counterparts to trade and agree on future exciting packages for global tourists.

“I wish to encourage all operators to be energised in knowing that going forward, there are signs of improvements in terms of the global tourism and I want them to take advantage of the great opportunities available for them to grow their space,” Ms Setlang emphasised.

Furthermore, she indicated that as the organisation, they had observed that some Batswana had shown interest to participate in the industry. 

“We need more locals to participate in the industry  because when Batswana invest in the sector, we are sure that contribution to the local economy is increasing and we are sure of sustenance in the businesses,” she said.

Giving an insight on the sector’s performance, Ms Setlang pointed that Botswana had performed well in the markets citing that the country had shown a shift in the top ten.

However, Ms Setlang also appreciated some tourism companies which took advantage of the COVID 19 period to upgrade their facilities in order to remain competitive.

One such company was Wilderness Safari which rebuilt the Dumatau camp during the pandemic and the facility was officially opened recently. 

The facility has been upgraded to a premier lodge, a perfect destination that provides comfort and luxury while at the same time giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy wilderness experience from their rooms making their adventure more enjoyable and memorable.

Ms Setlang applauded the company’s efforts saying such magnificent development was an indication of the  sector’s recovery. 

She expressed gratitude that the facility was located in the heart of the world’s most breath-taking natural wonders, the Okavango Delta which is also the UNESCO world Heritage Site. ENDS