Botswana Tourism Sector Has Potential – Thabo Dithebe

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Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) chief executive officer, Mr Thabo Dithebe says the tourism sector is significant to the country’s economy.

When he appeared before the Parliamentary Committee on Statutory Bodies and State Enterprises recently, Mr Dithebe said the sector had been identified as an engine of growth and an industry with potential to contribute to economic diversification.

He said tourism had a potential to create employment and he called for cabinet to jealously protect the tourism industry.

Meanwhile, Mr Dithebe called upon Batswana to also explore their country regarding the tourism products, saying the products were not only made for international visits to Botswana but to domestic and regional tourists as well.

Nevertheless, he said there was need to develop infrastructure of wildlife and adventure to make sure they attracted tourists

He said infrastructure had not been developed, citing proper public transport, the roads and improvement on places where creativity and action take place on daily basis, as key attractions to ready them to receive tourists.

The CEO, had said BTO was set up by the government to market tourist products, to grade and classify tourist accommodation as well as to promote investment in the tourism sector.

Mr Dithebe said the organisation had focused its efforts on achieving high standards and developing tourism strategies that exceeded customer expectations as well as building customer confidence around the world.

He stated that its aim is to develop Botswana into a unique preferred tourism destination of choice, and that the organisation is constantly expanding and promoting the international image of Botswana. He said they are intending to open five international offices globally including in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Brazil and Germany.

He also mentioned that plans are underway to open yet another office in Dubai of which they have recently entered into a contract of P17 million for three years.

Meanwhile, Mr Dithebe said for the past nine months the organisation has been functioning without a Board.

He mentioned that most of the board members term had expired by November 2015, and therefore the board could not function as it did not form a quorum.

He said for that reason, they had been seeking guidance, direction and reporting directly to the ministry of concerned.

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Source: Botswana Daily News

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