06 Mar 2025

Travel for Impact continues to play a key role towards promoting Maun as a tourist destination whilst also boosting the local tourism value chain.

Formed in 2014, the organisation is a social enterprise that links the travel industry with local community projects and is also committed to creating a circular economy where tourism industry revenue is harnessed to incubate local businesses and support some civil society organisations.

The organisation nurtures and profiles community organisation businesses that operate well and make tangible impact. It also supports socio-economic development of communities in the north western part of Botswana through development of culture and heritage ecotourism opportunities, creating jobs and generating income that goes directly into the community.

The organisation’s public relations and communication manager, Mr Kgotla Molefe told BOPA that the company was bringing significant impact among local businesses and some non-governmental organisations.

“We have bridged a gap between tourism and local businesses by creating invaluable partnerships to ensure tourism entities procure high quality local crafts and products for resale to tourists,” he added.

Mr Molefe said they had introduced several initiatives to bring positive and lasting change. One such initiative is the People’s Path.

“This is a programme meant to economically empower local crafters as well as spotlight the rich cultural diversity, unique traditions and skills and warm hospitality of Batswana,” added Mr Molefe.

He said visitors directly uplifted local communities and cultures while sustainably contributing to local economies and thus leveraging responsible and sustainable tourism to change local lives for the better. He appreciated that organisations generously donated a portion of their revenue to Travel for Impact through Bed Night Bank initiative.

He pointed that another programme, Crafted Botswana, aimed to nurture local talent in a way that makes a positive impact. Mr Molefe disclosed that the organisation had supported over 200 artisans/crafters mainly women across Ngamiland.

He said the crafters were exposed to potential buyers to sell their products and tell their stories. Some NGOs which benefited through Travel for Impact efforts include Bana Ba Letsatsi, Maun Animal Welfare Society, and Women Against Rape among others. ENDS