Buoyed by a large turnout of participants from various countries, Botswana’s leading travel and tourism show concluded recently.

Continuing to promote Botswana as a tourism destination, through participations in various events and promotional campaigns, Botswana recently held its own annual travel trade show, the Botswana Travel & Tourism Expo 2023 (BTTE).

According to a press statement by the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), the BTTE was a gathering of global tourism and travel stakeholders, including travel buyers and sellers, governments and the private sector tourism industry in the Southern African country. 

In her opening remarks at the expo, Nnaniki Wilhemina Tebogo Makwinja, Acting Minister of Environment and Tourism, said that Botswana is determined to share her magic with the world, while encouraging all the stakeholders, both domestic and international, to work with BTO in achieving the goals. 

“We are open to collaboration, innovation, and new ideas that can help us protect and promote Botswana as a leading sustainable tourism destination. I encourage all participants in this Expo to engage in meaningful discussions, network, and share your knowledge and ideas on how we can collectively make tourism in Botswana more sustainable and resilient,” she said.

In her remarks at the event, Wincey Ramaphoi, Botswana Tourism Board Chairperson, described the expo as an eagerly anticipated annual event where industry professionals and enthusiasts converge to celebrate and promote the nation’s beauty and diversity. 

She noted further that the expo emphasises sustainable tourism, highlighting Botswana’s landscapes, cultures, and wildlife while committing to conservation and community engagement. “Despite challenges from the global pandemic, there is a resilient and optimistic spirit, with a focus on adapting, innovating, and collectively navigating turbulent times for the industry’s recovery. The expo serves as a networking platform, fostering collaborations, connecting local businesses with international markets, and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and travelers. I would like to express my gratitude to partners, sponsors, and exhibitors, and urge attendees to use the event to showcase Botswana, forge partnerships, and inspire memorable journeys within the country,” Ramaphoi said.

Earlier in her presentation on the tourism update, BTO’s Acting CEO Keitumetse Setlang gave an overview of the key points in the Tourism Value Chain of the country.

According to the statement, BTO actively supports government and private sector initiatives across various tourism domains, cultivating both new and existing cultural, heritage, sports, adventure, gastronomy and handicraft offerings.

She noted that these events, covering sports, cultural activities, and more, prioritize community participation and generate economic benefits.