Tourism operations from Botswana were honoured in various categories at 7th ATLF Gala Dinner and Africa Tourism Leadership Awards that were held in Gaborone last week Friday.
Under the Championing Sustainability Award: Qorokwe Camp, Tuli Safari Lodge Mashatu and Chobe Game Lodge got the honours to receive the award. The award is meant to recognise the destination, business, third sector organization or policy that has made an outstanding contribution to conservation/ environmental protection and community development.
For the outstanding Accommodation Award AndBeyond’s Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp secured the second position followed by La Cle Lodge and Villas, South Africa in the third position while Singita Pamushana Lodge Zimbabwe took the first position.
The award recognised an accommodation facility with best world class facilities, quality standards, service excellence provided to guests and sustainable practices (i.e. green credentials, decent employment practices, staff development opportunities) in Africa. Small operations are highly encouraged to participate.
Botswana’s ministry of environment and tourism has earned the second place under the Progressive Policies Award category, Ministry of Tourism, Mauritius secured the third place while Rwanda Development Board earned the first place. The winners of this award were acknowledged for showing progressive and excellence in policy-making for sustainable tourism growth and development in their destination.
Different operators from African countries also dominated in other categories that include Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award, Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award, Outstanding Africa Tourism Media & Marketing Award, Women in Leadership Award, Outstanding Tourism Transportation Award and Destination Africa – Lifetime Award.
Giving the keynote address during the event, Minister of Environment and Tourism Nnaniki Makwinja noted that from 2022 to 2024 the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards have made a significant impact in promoting sustainable tourism, elevated Botswana status as a travel destination, strengthened stakeholders’ engagement and driven the growth of tourism in the region.
Makwinja has expressed her excitement at the increasing interest in the awards from various sectors of the tourism industry which reflects success in cultivating a globally recognised ethos of service and innovation. She encouraged the private sector to keep collaborating with the tourism industry on this initiative as partnership will drive measurable successes.
‘‘The ATLF has been a crucial platform for Botswana tourism sector connecting at least 40 African and international travel and services providers each year through various business to business and business to government meetings and exhibitions, more than 400 tourism entrepreneurs and women in Botswana have received training in various areas,’’ she said.
Makwinja has further stated that Africa as a developing world face the challenge of finding sustainable solutions for young entrepreneurs and future tourism stakeholders, at the same time the growth of the digital economy offers extensive opportunities that must be leveraged both across Africa and globally. She said that as the tourism sector evolves it is essential to stay committed to providing exceptional services to the travellers. Makwinja noted that the ATLF plays a key role in promoting and recognising the efforts of those who contribute to the common objectives.
Meanwhile, Africa Tourism Leadership Awards is the only pan African industry awards of its kind in Africa. It recognises and celebrates change-makers and innovation pioneered by Africans, in Africa, for African travel, tourism, hospitality and aviation industries. Particular attention and recognition is given to nominees who can prove their commitment to leadership through sustainability in tourism practices and policy-making. Nominees and winners include individuals, small enterprises, countries, heads of states, destinations, cities, hotel groups, organizations, ministers, policy-makers and entrepreneurs.
