Lily Rakorong, CEO
Lily Rakorong, CEO

The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) plays a crucial role in establishing a world-class tourism industry in Botswana. HATAB has around 247 members, contributing over 85% tourism value to Botswana’s economy. CEO Lily Rakorong outlines HATAB’s mission and discusses the potential of Botswana’s tourism and hospitality sector.

European Times: What are HATAB’s main goals?

Lily Rakorong: HATAB’s mission is to promote, encourage and monitor excellence in Botswana’s hospitality and tourism activities. HATAB aims to ensure that all visitors, from both within and outside Botswana, can count on consistently high standards of service from the entire hospitality and tourism industry. Privately established and funded, it is the governing body for all its members. Our mandate is to advocate and lobby for our members so that they are able to provide the desired level of services. HATAB helped establish the Botswana Tourism Organisation and continues to support a world-class regulatory environment for the national tourism industry.

European Times: What are some of the challenges HATAB faces?

Lily Rakorong: Our biggest challenge is capacity. I believe we can do more, but we do not have enough researchers or achieve as much as we would like. HATAB would like to partner with investors or donors who can help the association build capacity. HATAB works closely with the Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower (BOCCIM), the Regional Tourism Organisation of Southern Africa (RETOSA) and other organisations. HATAB welcomes the chance to partner with Chambers of Commerce and other groups in the SADC region and the EU.

European Times: Why should investors target Botswana’s tourism sector?

Lily Rakorong: Botswana is well known for its wildlife and nature preserves, but the country has not fully exploited these attractions for tourism. Botswana needs to develop new regions for tourism, such as the Kgalagadi area, as well as diversify tourism offerings and step up international promotion of Botswana as a tourism destination. Tourism can be a strong economic driver for this country and there are many opportunities just waiting for investors, including the creation of a five-star hotel by a global hotel chain.

European Times: What is your personal message to potential investors and partners?

Lily Rakorong: Botswana is open for business. We are looking for investors in the hospitality and tourism sector, and HATAB is ready to assist investors in every way.