Within efforts to diversify and revitalise Botswana’s economy, the government is planning to redevelop the Kasane/Kazungula area. During Monday’s State of the Nation Address, President Mokgweetsi Masisi said the government has been focusing on tourism promotion amid the coronavirus crisis via virtual platforms and engagements: “These include Virtual Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo in December 2020; the Virtual International Tourism Bourse in March 2021; and Botswana Live Virtual Tours campaign, launched in August 2021.”

The President added that these platforms have been key in boosting tourism recovery both nationally and internationally. A total of 5,432 businesses received funding amounting to P139,786,942, under the COVID-19 wage subsidy. This covered salaries and company operations.

“A further P200 million from the Tourism Industry Support Fund was disbursed by the National Development Bank in the form of loans. As a result of these interventions, government saved over 1,000 jobs in the industry,” he added.

Masisi also stated that Community Trusts are still receiving support: “Through Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA), a total of P11,748,000 was paid to freelance guides, freelance chefs and Mokoro Polers and additional jobs were created over a period of nine months.”

Furthermore, in April this year, Parliament approved the Revised Tourism Policy, which will boost citizen participation in key tourism areas such as the Okavango Delta and National Parks throughout Botswana.

The President went on to say: “In order to operationalise the policy, government is developing a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan, which will be completed in July 2022. With the view to promote domestic tourism and increase meaningful citizen and local community participation in the growth and development of the sector, Parliament adopted a new Tourism Policy in 2021.”