Government reiterates inclusivity in tourism growth

Government has announced its intention to create more opportunities for citizens in the tourism sector. The announcement was made at this week’s World Tourism Day commemoration under the theme, ‘ Tourism for Inclusive Growth’.

The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, Phildah Kereng, said through legislation and policies, government commits to facilitating equal opportunity for all Batswana to take part in the favourable tourism value chains. “As the world emerges from the grip of COVID- 19, and the global economy opening up, no person shall be left behind,” said Kereng citing that the tourism sector is a significant contributor to the local economy’s GDP. Kereng further said tourism is an important sector which demonstrates the unique potential to contribute towards inclusive growth. She said to further facilitate inclusive tourism growth, the Ministry in June last year, developed the Agro- tourism guidelines which guide utilisation of arable land for tourism purposes. In addition, the Ministry in April this year, launched the Guidelines for keeping Game in fields, said Kereng. She said the two guidelines are geared towards optimal utilisation of agricultural land, combining it with tourism and conservation initiatives.

Kereng further implored the citizens with uncultivated arable land to shift their thinking towards agro- tourism.

Meanwhile, Botswana recently launched the Botswana Live Virtual Tour Platform and Tourism Licensing and Information System ( TOLIS). According to Kereng, the two systems signify that Botswana is embracing the digital technology era, by providing information technology- based solutions to promoting the country’s tourism endowment from the furthest communities to the cities.

“This technology advanced approach to exposing our diversified tourism product is a deliberate strategy of recovery and growth. As we entice the world by positioning our tourism brand on the global space, we shall not only pitch our breathtaking flora and fauna, but also market our diverse cultures, food, music and folklore, and heritages found in our settlements,” said Kereng.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Tourism Policy ( 1990) has since been revised and approved by Parliament in April 2021. Kereng said the revised policy seeks to unearth more tourism potential through promoting product diversification and increasing geographical spread of the product offering. Kgori Capital, a local asset management firm, says the hospitality industry remains in the doldrums reeling from unravelling impacts of the COVID- 19 pandemic on the economy.

“We are hopeful that the lifting of the State of Public Emergency ( SoPE) and roll- out of the vaccination program will fast track the reopening of the sector,” said Portfolio Manager at Kgori Capital, Tshegofatso Tlhong. Kgori Capital further highlighted that the hospitality sector continues to face significant headwinds as the sector remains virtually closed off to international tourists and events. Over the years, the local tourism industry has been targeting the high end market with its fauna and flora. The stress in the industry has been highlighted by Cresta Hotels, recording a loss of P63.0 million for the full year 2020, as a result of COVID- 19 containment measures, while another player, Chobe, recorded a full year loss of P67.7 million as revenues declined 92.6 percent.