Tourism sector on a rebound - Masisi
President Mokgweetsi Masisi says the tourism sector is experiencing rapid change, disrupted by advancing technologies and shifting consumer expectations, something the country should work on as a collective.
The president indicated that a new generation of tourists is emerging, and the hospitality and tourism sector is undergoing fundamental shifts in the way it operates, occasioned by changing global economies, as well as Government’s policies to operational efficiencies, and the need for seamless technology to delivering a flawless guest experience. Masisi explained that to adapt to constant change, industries are looking to adopt strategies to future - proof their business and to navigate rapidly changing technological landscapes. “I therefore urge you to take this time to have an in- depth analysis of the trends and forecasts influencing travel patterns, and how you can take advantage of the opportunities that they bring to us in the tourism sector,” Masisi said, at the 5th annual Africa Tourism Leadership Forum ( ATLF) and Awards convened by the Africa Tourism Partners in Gaborone. He said the Forum challenges everyone to rethink tourism and devise strategies to build resilience, considering that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ( UNWTO)’ s theme for this year’s Tourism Day is ‘ Rethinking Tourism’. “This forum will play a key role in our quest to educate and promote the unique natural beauty and history that defines us as a people, countries and a globally distinct continent. Working together, forging partnerships and collaborations is key to building sustainable tourism economies. “I am pleased that we can meet physically and that, technology has made it possible for some of you to join this forum virtually, following the restrictions we all endured in various jurisdictions to mitigate the spread and transmission of the COVID- 19 virus in the past two years,” said the president. Masisi indicated that everyone knows how such necessary measures negatively impacted the travel and tourism industry. He pointed out that UNWTO, being a part of this forum is a great honour to Africa and indeed to Batswana.
“Your advocacy and role in guiding the world tourism has contributed immensely to getting the industry to where it is today on its journey to recovery. This vital forum will undoubtedly provide travel and tourism industry in Africa and indeed the rest of the world, with a platform for exchanging ideas aimed at promoting travel to and around Africa,” he said. Masisi further said Tourism is a dynamic and competitive industry that requires the ability to constantly adapt to customers’ changing needs and desires, as the customer’s satisfaction, safety and enjoyment are the focus of tourism businesses. The ATLF was hosted by the Republic of Ghana in 2018 to launch and position the event as a Meetings, Incentives and Exhibitions ( MICE) initiative, while in 2019 the city of Durban in South Africa used ATLF to launch the Youth in Tourism Development support program; and Rwanda used it to launch its Rwanda Tourism Week Exhibition initiative. According to President Masisi, in line with these, Botswana does not only leverage on this 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards to drive intra- Africa tourism but also to position herself as another compelling MICE destination in Africa.
He indicated that the 2022 event challenges everyone to work smarter as Africa taking advantage of technology, as well as ensuring maximum
returns on investment in the tourism industry. He expressed confidence that the sector will conclude the 2022 event with a robust implementable plan for the betterment of the “lives of our people.”
He told the forum that tourism is a major contributor to the national economy and has tremendous potential for growth. Government is committed to growing the sector as part of its economic diversification strategy, he said, adding that the sector is beginning to rebound in 2022 due to more relaxed travel restrictions and a well thought out strategy which saw growth of the domestic market and recovery of the regional and international markets.