Govt probes illegal tourism operators

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism Kitso Mokaila said yesterday that the government is seeking to tighten its grip on the sector, which has been identified as a significant driver of the country's economic diversification efforts. The minister was speaking at the Tourism Pitso 2008 in Gaborone. He said the ministry appointed a task force after players in the industry raised concerns. Already, the recommendations of the task-force have necessitated changes in the Tourism Act.

Apart from looking at ways of curbing illegal operators in protected areas, the task force is looking at the payment levy by non-accommodation tourism enterprises and licencing categories.