the role of tourism in natural resource management in the okavango ...

Regardless of attempts to involve the local population in the tourism industry, most
Motswana have never been significantly exposed to it, and have received no real
benefits from its development (http://wildnetafrica.co.za...Botswana).
There is concern that the Batswana are not aware of the potential of tourism, nor
supportive of its conservation, due to a lack of understanding by the local population
of the industry, and because most Motswana experience no benefits from tourism.
There is a need to develop special packages to encourage the Batswana to enjoy
tourist facilities, particularly during the low season. The focus of tourism should not
rest solely on wilderness, so as to open up other areas of the country to benefit from
tourism revenues. As Ms. Tswelopele Moremi stated "...tourism in Botswana should
not just be about wildlife and wilderness. There is a need to blend our tourism with
our culture, sports and the protection and development of historical sites, national
monuments and museums" (http://wildnetafrica.co.za...Botswana. 2003, p. 2).
In economic terms, tourism in Botswana has steadily grown in importance since the
early 1990s, and increasingly has the potential to become the country's key engine
of growth. Tourism currently contributes 6 percent to GDP and employs 4,2 percent
of the total population. Tourism contributes approximately P270 million per annum,
and hotel capacity has increased to 70 percent over the years due to the
construction of more hotels. Botswana contains many possibilities for tourism
investment, and while there is a move towards more ownership and investment by
local people, foreigners are still welcome, especially those with experience and the
ability to provide local employment and the ecologically sustainable development of
Botswana's natural resources. The Minister of Commerce and Industry has
predicted that tourism will be a one billion Pula industry by 2015
(http://www.botswana-online.com...htm).
The weaknesses in Botswana's current tourism industry include the fact that the
geographical investment base is too small, as it is concentrated in the north and
northwest. Access by tourists is also difficult in many places, while distances that
must be travelled to reach popular tourist destinations are vast. The public sector
also lacks awareness of the tourism industry imperatives, while there is a chronic
shortage of local management and technical skills (Mmegi, 2002).
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