COVID-19 impact continues to unravel within Botswana’s tourism industry, as the sector has been under immense pressure over the past two years.
Chobe Holdings, a Botswana Stock Exchange-listed tourism company has announced that it anticipates a significant group loss before tax for the half-year of 2021.
According to a notice to shareholders issued by the company earlier this week, Chobe Holdings forecast a before-tax loss of between 14.4 million Pula (about 1.27 million U.S. dollars) and 16.6 million Pula.
Another listed tourism outfit Cresta Marakanelo Hotels recently reported a loss for the first six months of the year, as the tourism industry continues to reel on tough operating conditions.
The company’s unaudited condensed financial results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 indicate a loss of 34.12 million Pula.
However, the company remains optimistic and anticipates making a rebound, as vaccination rollout gains momentum.
“Vaccination enhances travel sentiment for the market, and it is on its strength that most of the paid guests are opting to postpone their bookings rather than cancel completely,” said Cresta Managing Director, Mokwena Morulane.
Kgori Capital, a local asset management firm has reiterated that the tourism industry will spring out of the doldrums.
“We are hopeful that the lifting of the State of Public Emergency (SoPE) and roll-out of the vaccination program will fast track the reopening of the sector,” said Tshegofatso Tlhong, Portfolio Manager at Kgori Capital.
As part of efforts to reignite tourism, Botswana Tourism Organization recently embarked on a virtual tour themed ‘Botswana Live’ to promote the country’s fauna and flora.
The initiative aimed to increase awareness of the country’s diverse product offering. Launched at the beginning of September, the initiative will close at the end of October, ahead of the festive season.
Another initiative the country has put in place to lure more tourists is an online visa application platform launched by the department of immigration and citizenship in August.
The authorities believe that the e-visa application system will significantly reduce the turnaround time and improve overall efficiency when it comes to the issuance of visas.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Botswana have announced that the country’s vaccination program has now transited to the third phase, covering those aged between 18 and 29 years.
