Wilderness Safaris’ operations back at full steam
Pauline Dikuelo | Monday August 8, 2022 06:00
Following the COVID-19 slump and restrictions that nearly collapsed the tourism sector, group chair, Kabelo Binns said not only had OWS been able to return nearly all workers to full pay but had awarded them a small raise to help cushion them against rising inflation.
"Having had to, at various stages in the process, suspend operations at some of our camps, all are now open and operational again," he said in a statement this week.
“Bringing the camps back up to normal operations has entailed significant expense to restock with supplies that had become depleted over time, and to ensure all assets were in suitable working order. “This cost has been exacerbated by the supply chain constraints being experienced worldwide and also by dramatic increases in costs.
“Notwithstanding the significant challenges to the business experienced during the pandemic, OWS continued with efforts to contribute to the development of local communities and conservation.”
Wilderness’ rebound is associated with the end of the State of Public Emergency last September and the easing of the Omicron-driven COVID-19 waves seen between December and May.
The Health ministry this week further eased the regulations on the wearing of masks in public and the border entry requirements.
“As we finally see the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic effects of it, we are starting to see new bookings growing at satisfying rates once again,” Binns said. “These new bookings are being added to those rolled over from 2020 and 2021 owing to tourists’ inability to travel. “Premium products are once again demonstrating their resilience to external shocks by bouncing back quickly to previous occupancy levels. “The lower-priced products are also recovering, albeit at a slower rate.
“The returning of visitors to Botswana and the region is a strong sign that recovery is on the horizon.”
The OWS chair said the group had taken heed of government’s call for greater focus to be made on finding avenues for local economic generation to be developed up and down the tourism value chain. As a result, he said about 85% of the group's procurement is sourced locally, while OWS also supports businesses and communities in areas such as Ngamiland.
"We can proudly say that 90% of the operating expenditure and capital expenditure for our lodge business is spent with Botswana registered businesses. “Our current push is to develop and grow 100% citizen-owned SMMEs to enable even more direct citizen participation in the tourism sector. “We are actively engaging with suppliers from across the world to partner with Botswana businesses to enable us to further heighten economic activity in our sector," Binns said.
Okavango Wilderness Safaris is the country’s largest tourism group with 18 camps located in prime safari areas such as the Okavango Delta. The homegrown group employs about 1,000 workers.