The initiative will allow the market to #MeetSouthAfrica again following the closure of borders and travel restrictions imposed by the rise in COVID-19 infections since 2020.
The weekend-long activation dubbed #VisitGautengInBotswana will start on Friday 18th March 2022 from 09:30 with a Tourism and Investment Breakfast at Protea Hotel by Marriott Gaborone Masa Square to be addressed by the South African High Commissioner in Botswana TP Shope-Soumah.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) vision of delivering on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development and the recently adopted Gauteng Trade & Investment Strategy together with the Growing Gauteng Together (GGT2030) vision serves as key guidelines for the GTA and partners to start this economic reignition drive with our neighbours in the region,” explained Gauteng Tourism Authority CEO Sthembiso Dlamini.
Botswana has seen arrivals contracting in 2019 driven more by the male tourists. However, there was growth among the 18 to 24 age group which bodes well for a youthful province like Gauteng. Despite other categories declining and further two years of COVID-19, there was some growth among tourists travelling alone. In 2019, GTA noted a decrease in personal shoppers, business travellers and other tourists’ categories while Conventions and Exhibitions drove the slight increase in Meetings Incentives Conferences and Events (MICE).
Hospitality, good service, and good infrastructure are the main highlights for Botswana’s tourists and this activation is intended to reinforce that positioning. There has been an increase in Batswana saying their highlight of visiting South Africa was beautiful scenery, visiting friends and relatives, value for money and quality shopping experience and an abundance of business opportunities. GTA says it is not taking these sentiments for granted. “We will use this opportunity to reconnect with the travel trade and investment partners, promote our signature events like the iconic Rand Show and the Delicious International Music and Food Festival at the River Walk Mall on Saturday 19th March 2022 and host a fashion showcase and picnic to promote the made in Gauteng products and drive sales guided by the above insights.”
