The Botswana Tourism Board (BTB) will next week attend the annual World Travel Market (WTM) 2007 in London, which will run from the 12th to the 15th November 2007, with a view to enhancing awareness on Botswana tourism products and packages, and thereby improve opportunities for increasing inbound tourist growth from Botswana’s major generating markets.
According to BTB Public Relation and Communication Manager, Keitumetse Setlang, the WTM is the second largest international travel show after the International Tourism Borse (ITB) which is held annually in Berlin ÔÇô Germany. “This fair provides a major platform to promote the country’s tourism industry and raise awareness on its tourist destinations in the global market place,” she stated.
Setlang said that the event also provides opportunities for local tourism businesses such as tour operators, travel agents, accommodation facilities, mobile safaris, air charter sector and the national airliner, to make new business contacts as well as to generate sales. This Market also gives these businesses a chance to network with the international travel and tourism industry, and to launch new products and services, she said. As a result, BTB has invited local tourism businesses to participate and co-exhibit under its Botswana stand.
BTB is expected to bring to light the country’s unique opportunities in wildlife viewing, wilderness excursions, adventure safaris and culture and heritage that are abundant in the various premier tourist destinations such as the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Tuli Private Game Reserves, Tsodilo Hills, the Kalahari Desert, and Makgadikgadi Pans. In addition to the local attractions, Setlang said Botswana will be showcased and promoted as a high potential filming destination, following the filming of the movie ‘No 1. Ladies Detective Agency’ based on Alexander McCall Smith’s series of books. The Botswana stand will feature some snap shots from the movie to promote the movie and its authentic venue, she explained.
The Botswana team will be led by the Chairman of the BTB, Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, the BTB Chief Executive Officer, Ms Myra Sekgororoane, the BTB Marketing Manager, Joe Motse, and other officers of the board. Vice President Ian Khama and the Minister for Environment Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lucas Phirie Gakale, will also attend the WTM and enhance the Tourism Board at key strategic high level appointments. According to Setlang, they will also grace the Tourism Board’s reception organized for international travel agencies, tour operators, and key international travel and media guests. A total of 20 tourism business operators from Botswana will be participating and co-exhibiting with the Tourism Board at the fair.
