Page 8 - Meetings Botswana 2020

WELCOME
Dear Reader
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Meetings Botswana, a new guide
to the MICE sector in Botswana.
At the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) we are keen to explore every avenue to increase tourism
of all types, and it is anticipated that business tourism – or MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) – will play an increasingly dynamic role in the future pattern of arrivals in the country.
International air services such as the new link connecting Gaborone with Doha and onwards to the rest of the Qatar Airways network will boost the exposure of Botswana as not only a jewel of Africa in terms of its natural attractions, but also highlight the potential to host meetings, unique incentive programmes and other business events.
As our infrastructure is developed with new hotels, additional conference venues and better internal and international transport links, the next step is to position Botswana on the global stage as more than just a spectacular tourism option.
We have succeeded in developing our leisure tourism product in a sustainable manner, creating an image of Botswana as a must-see destination in Africa.
But, in a move to strengthen the contribution of tourism to the Botswana economy, our next priority is to expand our product offering – and the strategic development of the MICE sector is key to service our aims.
Already, according to the annual review of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism provides nearly one in every seven dollars in the country’s economy, with an overall value of more than US$2.5bn and a growth rate of 3.4 per cent in 2018.
The sector supported 8.9 per cent of total employment in Botswana, but the key statistic is that 96 per cent of travel and tourism spending in the economy was generated by leisure visitors – with just four per cent from business tourism.
It is these figures we aim to change.
And, to this end, Meetings Botswana will provide a new snapshot of MICE facilities and opportunities as we embark on a campaign to expand the perception of the country as a destination ready for business tourism.”
Myra Sekgororoane
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Botswana Tourism Organisation
8 MEETINGS BOTSWANA 2020