Khama decries absence of Batswana in tourism sector

Minster of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Tshekedi Khama has expressed disappointment that up until now there has not been any concerted effort to introduce Batswana into tourism.

Khama said tourism that has been available to Batswana, has been pretty much a token. “This is unacceptable. To this extent, I do intend to approach the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development that they should give us a budget so that we can empower Batswana because I believe it is extremely important that Batswana own this country including the tourism destinations. 

“I totally agree with growing the tourism sector particularly in those areas, which are at the juvenile stage. I also want to say on that issue that we have had resistance from certain concession owners about the subdividing of the concessions”, Khama told Parliament. The minister assured Parliament that this will happen because one thing “I am not interested in is greed within the tourism sector and we will not allow it.” Khama assured Parliament that consultations with the communities, Kgotla visits will be increased.

On fishing and regulations, the minister said his ministry was worried that fishing largely benefitted foreigners at the expense of Batswana. He told Parliament that they have changed the situation to let Batswana be the prominent recipients of the benefits of fishing.