HATAB.

Article By: Solomon Tjinyeka

Botswana’s tourism sector is under growing pressure as government raises serious concerns over labour practices and international policy threats.

Speaking at the HATAB Conference in Maun, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Major General Pius Mokgware, warned that some safari operators are exploiting Batswana workers.

Mokgware revealed that investigations confirmed cases of discrimination and unfair treatment, and warned that the new government, which is human rights-centered, 2will take strong action against offenders.

He also criticised barriers faced by locals trying to start their own tourism businesses.

Meanwhile, Minister of Environment and Tourism Wynter Mmolotsi raised concern about new restrictions by European countries and the U.S. on the importation of hunting trophies.

He warned that such restrictions threaten Botswana’s sustainable consumptive use industry and called for stakeholders to fiercely protect the country’s progressive wildlife policies to support economic growth.