The role of Events in inspiring travel
The BTO Strategy looks towards product development and diversification as a key driver of growth within the tourism industry. The strategy views the promotion of adventure and cultural tourism as an opportunity to attract more arrivals both local regionally, and international to complement the traditional wildlife tourism offering. This dream can be realized through events-based tourism. This strategy period will be characterized by coordination of events that can influence travel by the local and regional the short term and long-haul travelers in the long term. A number of events will be undertaken, looking at those initiated by BTO and support extended to events by private sector.
Botswana Tourism has been involved in several events both as an organiser and a partner. The following are the main events driven by BTO, Khawa Dune Challenge & Cultural Festival, Botswana Kalahari 1000 Toyota Desert Race & Makgadikgadi Epic. These events have seen tremendous growth both from the domestic and the regional markets with Makgadikgadi Epic having seen a large attendance from the international clientele. Continued support and re-positioning of this event will help facilitate domestic travel until the travel has stabilize hence more emphasis on the packaging by local operators need to be promoted.
In addition, BTO continuously support Life style events & Cultural events hosted by the different organiseres, this ensures an all-year round calendar commensurate with the different needs of different market segment to what event to attend.