Botswana plans to develop a liberation heritage tourism programme but operators suggest the country’s market for these offerings isn’t big.
National Museum Chief curator of ethno-history Winani Kgwatalala recently said the routes taken by Africans during their struggle for independence offered a rare tourism opportunity. She was quoted in the Botswana Daily News as saying that during the liberation struggle, the country became a route for freedom fighters, such as Nelson Mandela. “Tourism will not only focus on boat cruising and wild viewing, but heritage too,” she said.
Tara Venter, of Footsteps in Africa, welcomes the idea “There is definitely a market for more cultural offerings in Botswana.”
However Onne Vegter, Director Wild Wings Safaris, argues that although tourists are definitely interested in cultural and heritage tourism, the market for this in Botswana is not very big. “Botswana is primarily known as a prime wilderness destination for safaris. There is some interest in authentic cultural experiences pre- and post-safari at destinations like Maun and Kasane, and even Khwai village during a safari in that area, but we have never had any requests for heritage tourism products in Botswana in particular.”
Vegter suggested that Johannesburg and Cape Town already covered heritage tourism quite well with products like District Six, Soweto township tours and the Apartheid Museum. “In South Africa the demand is there, but Botswana is known primarily as a safari destination and most visitors fly in and out without spending any time in the major cities or towns. We've never had a request for a museum visit in Botswana.”
Bruce Taylor, GM Sunway Safaris, is also doubtful heritage tourism will attract a lot of tourists. “The fact is that people go to Botswana to see wildlife. If the heritage locations are convenient and tasteful, then they may get interest. But if the heritage sites are in Gaborone, they’re unlikely to attract the clients flying into Maun or Kasane. If you want to visit the world-famous Okavango, would you pay the exorbitant Air Botswana fares to fly to Gabs to see a heritage site for an hour?”
