Botswana tourist contribute immensely to the NW GDP
MEC for Tourism in the North West has called on the people of Botswana to share resources and explore the reach cultural heritage of the province. MEC Mohono was speaking during the North West Provincial Tourism Marketing venture in Botswana’s capital Gaborone on Thursday, where she appealed to the media and other tourism business people to assist the province to unlock economic potential of heritage and cultural resources through responsible and sustainable Tourism Development.
According to MEC Mohono, the people of Botswana frequent South Africa on daily basis, and the Bokone Bophirima province is the gate way into the country. She said that even South Africans use Botswana to get to other SADC countries. “It is therefore important for both the people of the North West and Botswana to look at Tourism as an important sector that will boost the economy of both countries. Mining is no longer contributing much as it used to and I think it’s now time to explore this important field. We also share cultural values, and it will be more important that we increase education level in profiling the conservation and preservation needs of heritage and cultural resources for sustenance which will be in line with the values of culture, standards and norms”, said MEC Mohono.
MEC Mohono said that the venture is geared at introducing the people of Botswana to other tourism destination areas which she said are of cultural importance in the history of the Batswana. MEC said that the Batswana and the people of the North West are related and that they are just separated by borders.
“Such a relationship cannot be ignored and must be nurtured, embraced and used to the advantage of all. Township and village tourism is a niche market that has not yet been fully penetrated and explored. Both Botswana and the Bokone Bophirima Province have the advantage of a rich history which has long strides.
“The potential for oral traditions that date back centuries and that would definitely ignite the thoughts and imaginations of the tourist are endless”, she said.
MEC Mohono also took advantage of the campaign by further engaging with the Botswana Tourism Organisations in exploring future partnerships with them.
The Tourism marketing campaign is an annual event which is a joint venture between the Department of Tourism and its entity the North West Parks and Tourism Board. The main aim was to sell the destination North West and target three very important tourism groups being the Media, Travel Trade and the Consumer.
Enquiries
Dineo Lolokwane
Tel: 018 388 2081
Cell: 072 542 8444
E-mail: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za
