Botswana tourism operators may attend the Indaba in fewer numbers due to the Botswana Tourism Organisation’s hike of the fees it charge for participation at international tourism fairs.

In 2015, BTO increased fees for the exhibiters at Botswana stand at all international fairs. BTO fees increased from P3 000(R4 045) to P10 000 (R13 483) for small and medium operators, with an annual P2 million turnover. For bigger operators with annual turnover of more than P2 million, the increase was from P9 000 (R12 138) to P30 000 (R40 459). This constituted a 233% increase in fees.

[AdZone]

Lily Rakorong, CEO for Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana said members have been affected by BTO’s hike of exhibition fees. “The increase is huge and some of our members may take time before they can afford to attend international travel fairs including Indaba.” Rakorong said HATAB is engaging with the Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism which oversee BTO, to request a reduction in fees.

[AdZoneGiant]

BTO spokesperson, Ketumetse Setlang was quoted by Mmegi newspaper saying the fees were increased to make it more sustainable to continue to facilitate industry participation at travel fairs and road shows. She also said attending tourism shows internationally is expensive.

Some operators however say the increase was huge. Pearl Wright Crampton, Maun Lodge, Acting General Manager, told Tourism Update they are not attending Indaba this year due fees increase by BTO. “The increase was done on short notice. We have decided not to attend Indaba this year as we have to reevaluate our strategy for international exhibitions.”