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“the travel campaign is not only about promoting domestic tourism, it’s about exploring and re-experiencing our own backyard, rekindling our love for our country. It’s about appreciating the wonders that lie within the boarders, and creating memorable experiences right here at home”
Botswana Tourism Organisation on Friday launched the third edition of the domestic travel campaign that is aimed at promoting domestic tourism. The campaign, which has started with campaigns in various major villages and town and Botswana, is meant to implore citizens to explore their own background to discover the unique charm and hidden gems that Botswana has to offer.
This is the third edition of domestic travel campaign, and the first to be officially launched before activations got underway, and following its launch on Friday in Gaborone, the first activation was held at the Fields Mall on Saturday. This was then followed by the second activation held in Kasane on Tuesday, Francistown yesterday, Selebi Phikwe today while Palapye activation will be held tommorow where various operators and tour services providers showcase their packages for domestic travellers.
Speaking at the launch, permanent secretary in the ministry of environment and tourism Grace Muzila reiterated that domestic travel has proved to be the backbone of the tourism industry, hence the need for it to be fully explored.
“It is a significant milestone in our effort to promote and revitalise domestic tourism. This is a moment of celebration, unity and optimism for the future of our tourism industry,” Muzila said.
As a crucial sector that fuel economic growth through its contribution to the GDP, Muzila said the domestic tourism uniqueness has to be showcased responsibly for sustainability. She further highlighted that Botswana’s unique tourism offerings include wildlife, culture, heritage, hospitality, lifestyle and sports.
“Botswana has always been a land of incredible natural beauty and cultural heritage richness. From the wilderness of the Okavango Delta, to the ancient rock art sites of Tsodilo to Kgalagadi, Chobe and cradle of humanity – the Makgadikgadi Pans the country boasts a diversity of attractions that are second none. Our cultural heritage, warm hospitality, the friendliness of our people makes Botswana a destination like no other in the world,” Muzila further highlighted.
Domestic tourism remains the engine of growth for the industry as it makes a substantial contribution to the sector overall financial reliance, sustainability and functionality, Muzila emphasised. The campaign, according to Muzila has been developed to promote different tourism products and specialised packages for the domestic market and offer tourism trade partners an opportunity to interact and educate the local market on diverse product offerings and experiences within their product portfolios.
She said the campaign was also about exploring and re-experiencing our own backyard, rekindling our love for our country. It’s about appreciating the wonders that lie within the boarders, and creating memorable experiences right here at home.
“To make this campaign a success, we devised a multi-faceted approach to promote national pride, promote domestic tourism, boast local economy, collaborations,” she said.
Muzila has further highlighted that the tourism industry is not only about revenue, but also about preserving the environment, culture and heritage for future generations, as well as creation of jobs and showcasing the best of Botswana to the world. Meanwhile the final lap of the schedule for the campaign will cover Ghanzi on November 1st, Maun on November 3rd and lastly Tsabong on November 10th
