- CEO shares President’s outlook for Botswana as a MICE destination
- President Masisi to officially open the IAGR Conference
- Botswana is expected to break the record of attending delegates
President Mokgweetsi Masisi will officially open the 2023 instalment of the International Association of Gambling Regulators (IAGR) Conference that will be held in Gaborone from 16 to 19 October.
The conference – which will be mainly about the exchange of excellence and innovation in regulatory practice – had already registered 254 delegates by Wednesday this week and was expected to register. According to the CEO of the Gambling Authority of Botswana, Peter Emolemo Kesitilwe, the last breaking record of delegates was in Johannesburg in 2017 where 257 delegates were in attendance.
“We are expecting more delegates and it is possible that we will break the Johannesburg record,” Kesitilwe said. “This means a lot to us because it is a vote of confidence in Botswana.” He added that the Gambling Authority is pleased by the fact that the conference supports President Masisi’s strategy of turning hosting Meetings Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) into a significant contributor to the GDP of Botswana.
MICE represents a vital segment of the global tourism industry, playing a crucial role in economic development and international exchange.
Significant potential
President Masisi’s strategy is that Botswana – a country known for its diverse wildlife, rich culture, and stable political environment – holds significant potential to become a hub for MICE tourism on the African continent.
Through the strategy, the President believes that hosting MICE events can be a significant source of revenue for Botswana. The influx of international delegates to MICE programmes translates into increased spending on accommodation, transportation, dining, and local products, thereby boosting the local economy.
Kesitilwe said the delegates, who are expected to exceed 254, will spend money on hotels, restaurants and other areas, resulting in the economic value that President Masisi wants. He added that like President Masisi, he believes that an effective MICE strategy can generate employment opportunities across various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, event management, and local crafts. Kesitilwe pointed out that the creation of jobs contributes to more people earning a livelihood and overall socio-economic development.
Botswana is mainly a mono-culture economy that relies heavily on mining, especially diamonds, whose market is notable for volatility. Developing a robust MICE industry should provide diversification, reducing the nation’s dependence on a single sector and making it more resilient to economic fluctuations.
Experts and scholars
In addition, Kesitilwe noted that MICE events bring together experts, professionals, and scholars from diverse fields. This fosters the exchange of knowledge and networking, leading to the transfer of expertise and skills to local communities, educational institutions, and businesses. Further, Kesitilwe added that hosting international conferences and exhibitions can promote Botswana’s rich cultural heritage.
This is because delegates and tourists often seek out local experiences, including traditional dances, cuisine, and art, leading to increased cultural awareness and appreciation.
In that way, MICE tourism can encourage community involvement through the participation of local artisans and entrepreneurs in exhibitions and cultural showcases. This involvement can empower communities and instil a sense of pride in their traditions.
Natural beauty
Developing an effective MICE strategy for Botswana holds immense potential for economic growth, social development, and environmental conservation. By capitalising on its stable political environment, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Botswana can position itself as a leading MICE destination in Africa.
However, achieving this requires concerted efforts from government institutions, the private sector, and local communities to ensure sustainable growth and a positive impact on the nation’s overall development. An effective MICE strategy can pave the way to a brighter future for Botswana where tourism thrives, communities prosper, and the environment is safeguarded.