Page 10 - Discover Botswana 2021

FOREWORD
Welcome to Botswana!
There is no doubt that 2020 will go down in history as a year of suffering for many people. The beginning of 2020 started with an enormous amount of positivity and the expectation of hosting many travellers from abroad to our beautiful Botswana. Of course, and with the onset of Covid 19, the year changed rapidly to responding to a pandemic that has brought with it a threat to our well being as well as an abrupt stop to tourism operations in the country.
The impact has been far-reaching and threatening to tourism businesses across the land as well as a threat to our wildlife. With this said, we must now focus on 2021 in a positive manner and restore our faith in the fact that we will all once again, be able to
travel in the near future. The way we travel may come with new regulations but I would say that these would be small inconveniences and protocols to adhere to for the greater safety and well being of all in the tourism industry.
I see 2021 as a new beginning and a reinvention of ourselves. This fits in perfectly with Discover Botswana’s 21st edition as we celebrate a return of guests as well as the publication coming of age. We are proud to share this edition with the world and as you will see throughout this year’s publication, Botswana’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and tourism attractions are ready and waiting to once again host travellers from around the globe.
The Okavango Delta regarded by many as our number one attraction because of its uniqueness, experienced one of the most memorable floods in recent times. The pace and volume of this year’s flood has resulted in the Boteti and Nhabe Rivers flowing again. It has been astonishing and has brought much relief to a land that experienced a severe drought in 2019. As the Okavango system sprung back to life this year, it can be said that we will too. In fact, and from another perspective, nature has been allowed a chance to rejuvenate and bounce back and this in turn has been tremendously valuable to the well being of Earth.
Our driven commitment to maintaining bio diversity through conservation policies and initiatives combined with our warm friendly populace, places our country as one of the most sought after destinations in Africa.
We welcome you all back to experience and enjoy our beautiful land.
Myra T. Sekgororoane
CEO, Botswana Tourism Organisation