An epidemic of ignorance

Elsewhere in this edition, we detail how events 5,300km north of our borders, are dampening revenues in the tourism heartland of North West Botswana.

Tour operators in the World Heritage Site, the Okavango Delta, are reporting that their bookings for next year have dropped by between 30 and 50 percent.

The peak tourism period, between May and September, was a damp squib for many operators who witnessed a downturn in arrivals. The reason? Fears over the Ebola outbreak in West Africa!  Operators say because of tourists’ ignorance, fears stoked by wild media reports in the West and misguided booking agents, Africa is again being viewed as one country.  The operators have repeatedly pointed out that Botswana is far removed from the outbreak and that it was among the first countries to introduce Ebola restrictions.  They have also highlighted the country’s comparatively robust health care system and its unsurpassed adherence to World Health Organisation’s guidelines.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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