Ministry puts accent on cultural tourism - BTO chief

THALEFANG CHARLES | Friday November 12, 2010 00:00

 

Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Myra Sekgororoane made the announcement at the Western Kgalagadi Cultural Association Festival (WKCAF) held at Kang recently.

Sekgororoane, who was speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, revealed that the government, through her organisation, will support culture and sports initiatives that could be used to lure tourists to Botswana.

She cited the successful Domboshaba Cultural Festival, the renowned Kuru Cultural Festival, Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, Western Kgalagadi Cultural Association Festival and Gaborone Marathon as great cultural and sports tourist attracting events.

Sekgororoane encouraged elders to ensure the continued survival of culture by imparting it to the youth. She shared that some countries do not have wildlife but are able to attract huge numbers of tourists through their unique cultural practices and festivals.

Also speaking at the WKCA festival, Kgalagadi North Member of Parliament (MP) Phillip Khwae urged Batswana to invite their friends and relatives to such events.

He said the event could also be used to alleviate poverty in the area. The MP encouraged residents to stand up for themselves and improve their living standards.