NW calls for closer tourism ties with Botswana

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Speaking at the recently held Botswana Marketing Campaign hosted by the North West Tourism Board in the neighbouring country, Mohono urged product owners from both Botswana and North West Tourism to partner together so as to attract more tourists in the two countries.

“I am here with my department and our tourism board to initiate partnerships. I am saying let’s work together and grow this industry because it has the potential to create many jobs thus growing both our economy,” said Mohono.

The MEC said the province acknowledges the size of the Botswana market, adding that it is an important market for South Africa.

“We appreciate Botswana as a huge market, this is why we are here every year. We need each other to make the tourism industry work. We can’t as South Africa say we don’t need other Southern African Developmental Community (SADC) countries.”

The Deputy High Commissioner in Botswana, Bulelwa Kiva, said South Africa and Botswana share a lot of common practices in terms of heritage and culture.

“The people of Botswana and those of the North West are one people. We should not allow these border gates to prevent us from sharing good practices and creating partnerships. We share the same culture, language and most of them relate as well,” said Kiva.

The Annual Botswana Marketing Campaign is a marketing activation where the North West Tourism Board seeks to effectively engage with all the key stakeholders within the tourism value chain.