The Bahamas open for tourism
As the countries explore and harness opportunities for mutual benefit, The Bahamas has now opened doors for Botswana to learn the latter’s approach to tourism and hospitality. Speaking during his visit to Botswana this week, The Bahamas Prime Minister, Phillip Davis, emphasised that the exchange will undoubtedly enrich both countries by fostering growth and innovation. He said they are doing this to build on their signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has already opened doors to numerous opportunities.
Recalling President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s visit to The Bahamas last year, Davis said he was reminded of the seeds of friendship they had sown. He indicated that the visit was a cornerstone moment paving the way for the MoU that has since blossomed into avenues of cooperation across diverse sectors. Davis also said during those precious moments of exchange, they have realised the vast potential that lies in their partnership.
“We embark on these talks with the hope and determination to foster a relationship that, like the mighty Baobab, will grow strong and enduring, offering shade and shelter to our generations yet to come. I am optimistic about the seeds of cooperation we are about to sow and together let us cultivate a garden of prosperity that will stand as a testament to the strength of our partnership,” he highlighted.
For his part, President Masisi said the tourism sector is one of the areas they had been discussing during their talks. He said the offer of opportunity for training is befitting because The Bahamas does exceptionally well when it comes to tourism.
He admitted that the Bahamas are way ahead of Botswana in terms of tourism. He said out of a population of 400, 000, The Bahamas hit a record last year by receiving nine million visitors marking a historic milestone in its journey as a leading global tourism destination. Masisi said The Bahamas are about to surpass the figure this year. “We want to learn how to get the same. Most of our tourism is safari and wildlife-based and we pride ourselves a lot, consistent with maintaining the delicate environmental footprint that we have in the Kalahari and Okavango where we have promoted low volume and high value. But this is not close to what they have in The Bahamas so there is something we have got to learn,” he emphasised.
Even though COVID-19 has disrupted various tourism sectors across the world, The Bahamas has in the past few years experienced significant growth, showcasing the diverse attractions and experiences available to tourists.
The Bahamas’ record-breaking year of visitors is a clear indication of The Bahamas’ position as a top-tier destination for travellers seeking unparalleled experiences. The islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and warm hospitality, making it a favourite of visitors from around the world.
Davis’ declaration that the The Bahamas is open for tourism comes shortly after Environment and Tourism minister, Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, had noted a rising interest amongst Batswana in the tourism business.
“As of the end of January 2024, the ministry licensed 3, 236, 100% citizen-owned operators, 286 joint ventures, and 296 non-citizen-owned enterprises compared to a target of 250 per year,” he told Parliament recently.