Over 30 businesses from Botswana exhibited at Africa’s most prominent networking event for tourism businesses and related stakeholders. The participation of Botswana businesses at the fair was partly facilitated by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) and Local Enterprise Authority (LEA).
Amongst the businesses that participated at the fare is Xaa Safaris, a Maun-based business owned by Nobantu Sebonego and her husband. Sebonego says the Indaba provided her with valuable lessons and tips that she can use to navigate the American market which is considered to be one of the most lucrative for Botswana. Sebonego’s business offers Safaris excursions in areas such as Moremi Game Reserve, CKGR, Savuti and Chobe.
“I have been looking into penetrating the American market but lacked the necessary tips,” she said. “The Indaba has been very helpful because I was able to attend an information sharing session which provided me with solid ideas in terms of how I can gain access to the American market.”
She added: “I now know what to do when designing a marketing strategy for the American market. “My aim is to lure the African-American tourists to Botswana. “It is a market that is yet to be fully explored. “The information I got from the session highlighted that exploring the African-American market can help me grow my business.”
Kagiso Tiwayi, the general manager at Peaconwood, a boutique and guesthouse she owns with her husband in Palapye, says the Indaba made a huge difference in terms of enhancing their knowledge of the hospitality industry.
“Going forward we will not just be selling Palapye or our guesthouse as a transit stop for those heading to country’s pristine tourism areas. “We will also be inviting them to come and explore the village as well its surroundings. “This is how hospitality businesses operate across the world,” Tiwayi explained.
Added Tiwayi: “Our level of understanding of the hospitality industry was only limited to offering accommodation. “But we have learnt that we have to coin our products in a unique way by incorporating unique offerings in Palapye (and surroundings) such as heritage or historical sites to broaden our competitive edge.”
The BTO has also been intent on promoting cultural and heritage tourism in a bid to expand the wavelength of the country’s tourism market portfolio.
Pearl Setlhogile, who is the founder of Nature Trend Travel, a venture established in 2021, believes that the network she has established from the Indaba will help her business to fully take off. Nature Trends offers cultural excursions, flight reservations, scenic flights services and adventure safaris to tourists. The business is based in Maun.
“The reception towards my business at Indaba was very good. I have had very fruitful meetings with tourism buyers from abroad. “I have even secured two major bookings for clients who will be travelling from South Africa through Kasane to Zambia. “The American (tourism) buyers are also interested in my product. “It seems like that is the one that they like the most. “I am very optimistic that they will give me business.”
