The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) and Chobe Game Lodge recently hosted a media meet and greet session in Kasane to appreciate the role played by the fourth estate in the development of the tourism industry.
The purpose of the meeting held at Chobe Game Lodge was also meant to appreciate the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects and environmental protection initiatives that have been undertaken by the lodge. HATAB has already hosted similar sessions with the media in Gaborone and will soon head to Maun.
HATAB CEO Lily Rakorong said their aim this year is to create a cordial relationship with the media, which she said plays a vital role in promoting tourism for economic growth and development.
She highlighted that Chobe Game Lodge has an impact in the community they operate in through their CSR projects. She added that the lodge has also embarked on different environmental protection strategies that include the use of solar energy, use of electric vehicles and the recycling project.
“The lodge, together with its other subsidiaries of Chobe Holdings has an impact in the tourism industry development, having created employment for many, hence playing a huge role in economic development,” she added.
For his part, Chobe Lodge Assistant manager, Lesh Moiteela highlighted the importance of the media engagements as to provide a broad perspective of their initiatives to different stakeholders for the tourism industry development.
He said that Chobe Game Lodge does its business in a sensitive environment, hence they have undertaken many environmental and social projects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the lodge and the protection of the precious Chobe National Park within which they operaate.
He noted that they also ensure that the local communities within their area benefit from different opportunities in the tourism industry. He highlighted that they have different educational projects within schools in their area and their intention is to extend.
