UDC tackles exclusion in tourism
Tsaone Basimanebotlhe | Friday July 29, 2016 15:40
“The Okavango is one of the most pristine natural habitats and attractions in the world, and yet we have not been able to exploit this asset to the full extent, in a manner that contributes significantly to inclusive social and economic advancement of communities around the Okavango in Botswana while at the same time sustaining ecological conservation,” UDC secretary general Ndaba Gaolathe told reporters yesterday.
“There is need to identify challenges and opportunities for various stakeholders to focus on. We should forge consensus on overall vision and aspirations.”
Gaolathe said citizens and communities living within the tourism heartland should be empowered to directly own lucrative large businesses. The UDC secretary general emphasised that there is need for greater growth of smaller enterprises specifically leatherworks, curio-shops, campsites, community tour operations, cultural tourism, traditional accommodation, traditional dishes, music, dances, walking and canoe safaris.
He said there is also a need for skills upgrade to equip citizens for managerial positions within the tourism industry.
“There should be a retention of revenues in Botswana as well as regulation and monitoring of financial and non-financials including ecological obligations,” he said.
“Again the country should reduce its dependence on international tourists, particularly those from outside Africa. Rather it should it should have strong development of related sub-sectors such as fishing, food processing and agriculture.”
He applauded the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) for stepping up marketing of the country’s tourism sector.