
WORDS BY: PHILLIP MODISE IMAGES BY: ANDREW NYAMBE
Bostwana hosted the first-ever Botswana Tourism Investment Summit, which took place from the 22nd to the 24th November 2023. Held in the vibrant city of Gaborone, under the theme “Accelerating Investment Towards Sustainable Product Diversification“, the Botswana Tourism Investment Summit 2023 brought together a myriad of business elites in the tourism and financial services sectors with the capacity to invest in the development of sustainable tourism in Botswana. The keynote address, delivered by His Honor Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, Chairperson of ITIC Ltd and Invest Tourism Ltd. Taleb Rifai and welcome remarks by Hon. Philda Kereng, Minister of Environment and Tourism, set the tone for discussions centred around enhancing infrastructure, promoting eco-friendly initiatives, and fostering community engagement.
Some of the main highlights of the summit were Panel discussions, Presentations of Botswana Tourism Projects selected Private sector projects in quest of investment, One-on-one meetings with investors and networking.
One of the focal points of the summit was Botswana’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Embracing eco-friendly measures has become a cornerstone of the country’s strategy, with the aim of preserving its natural wonders while simultaneously offering unique and immersive experiences to visitors. Investments geared towards eco-lodges, wildlife conservation efforts, and low-impact tourism initiatives garnered significant attention from investors.
While Botswana is renowned for its iconic attractions, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, the summit shed light on lesser-known regions ripe for tourism development. Discussions highlighted the Kgalagadi Desert’s potential as a destination for adventure tourism and showcasing the unique desert landscapes.
Moreover, the Summit provided a holistic view of Botswana’s challenges and on-going transformations. The country’s economic rate averaged 5% during the last decade and this Summit paved the way not only to sustain this growth internally but also, to open an external window of opportunities by positioning Botswana as the next business and investment hub of the Southern African region.
Collaboration and innovation emerged as key themes throughout the summit. Public-private partnerships were underscored as vital for fostering growth in the tourism sector. The government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors through policy reforms and incentives was well-received, encouraging both local entrepreneurs and international investors to explore opportunities in Botswana.
As the summit drew to a close, the prevailing sentiment was one of optimism and determination. Botswana’s Tourism Investment Summit of 2023 was not merely a gathering of minds but a catalyst for transformation. The commitments made, partnerships forged, and ideas exchanged are poised to drive sustainable growth, positioning Botswana as a leading, responsible tourism destination in the global landscape.
The summit was a testament to Botswana’s unwavering dedication to fostering a tourism industry that not only invites exploration but also values preservation, community engagement, and sustainable growth—a beacon guiding the way towards a vibrant and responsible tourism future.