inBUSINESS Issue 12

EVENTS
inBusiness List of BTO Events
BY MBAKI TJIYAPO
In an effort to diversify Botswana’s tourism product, the Botswana
Tourism Organisation (BTO) increasingly hosts a series of events every
year that are aimed at attracting a different type of tourism. Thanks to
the country’s abundant wildlife, especially in the north, Botswana has
traditionally attracted tourists keen on safari. However, for several years
now, BTO has been making an effort to appeal to a wider array of tourists
by broadening the variety of attractions.
Says the organisation’s Public Relations Manager, Keitumetse Setlang:
“We decided to have tourism activities throughout the country
throughout the year. We studied the local market and saw fit to it after
ascertaining that Batswana not only like but are into travelling to events.”
Below is Your InBusiness List of BTO Events to Look out for in 2017
Event: World Strongest Man
Date: May 21- 28
Intel: This is an international weightlifting right here on
Botswana soil.
Event: Khawa Dune Challenge & Cultural Festival
Date: May 25 - 27
Intel: The event features a variety of fun activities, among
them motorbike challenges, quad fun rides, motorbike fun
rides, sky dives, camel races, camel rides, as well as cultural
shows and exhibitions. Arts and crafts of the Kgalagadi are
also on sale.
Event: Toyota Kalahari 1000km Desert Race
Date: June
Intel: This internationally-acclaimed event is a collaboration
of BTO and the South African National Off Road Car Racing
Association (SANORA) that ‘kicks up a storm’ over the sand
dunes of the Kgalagadi Desert in one of Africa’s toughest
terrains.
Event: Race for the Rhinos
Date: June 29 - 30
Intel: In this prestigious air race that raises funds for rhino
conservation, BTO collaborates with Gaing-o Community
Trust and Matsieng Flying Club.
Event: Makgadikgadi Epic
Date: August 9 -12
Intel: In partnership with Nata Community Trust and Sky-
Dive Botswana, this is another high profile event that BTO
hosts across the salt lake and Nata Bird Sanctuary every year.
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www.inbusiness.co.bw | Issue 12 | 2017