Botswana is looking to diversify its tourism product by offering more than wildlife resources, via the Kasane/ Kazungula redevelopment project. This was stated by Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Ms Philda Kereng.

Urban tourism, recreation and cultural heritage will be added to the country’s tourism offerings. Kereng was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of temporary offices at the Kasane Rural Administration Centre (RAC). 

The government is looking to increase returns from tourism as well as increase its contribution to GDP. 

The first step towards availing land for tourism purposes was the relocation of offices. She said that 10 out of the 24 government offices chosen for relocation from the river front would be moved in porta cabins at the RAC.

The project’s focuses are infrastructure development, encompassing relocation of government offices and some residences. In addition, there is the development of tourism and waste management plans. 

Within this project, Chobe would be an area of reference along with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia, which are both linked to the new tourism product development plans. 

Apart from diversifying tourism in Botswana, this project is being praised as it will also be generating more employment in the country.