Botswana has pinned its hopes on Israel to help boost the recovery of tourism and increase visitor numbers following the arrival of an Israeli charter airline earlier this month.

The flight, operated by Arkia Airlines, landed in Kasane International Airport on March 7 carrying 120 tourists.

According to Botswana’s Civil Aviation Authority, the airline is exploring the potential of a scheduled service to the country.

Omer Carmel, Director of Another World Israel, said Botswana – which is visa-free for Israeli citizens – would be an excellent addition to its tour offerings.

Sales and Marketing Director of Desert & Delta Safaris, James Wilson, told Tourism Update:

“Israel had one of the fastest COVID-19 vaccine roll-outs and when traditional markets, such as the UK and most of Europe, had Botswana on their red list, the Israelis were travel ready. El Al conducted its first ever flight to Rwanda in November 2020. We wanted to achieve something similar with Botswana.”

Wilson said the charter flight had initially been scheduled for 2021 but was cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions and rescheduled for March 2022.

“It was touch and go as our (Botswana’s) COVID-19 arrival and departure protocols were causing concern, but in the end the trip came off. We certainly hope to work on future charter flights from Israel.” He could not confirm passenger numbers or frequency of flights at this stage.

Another World Israel worked with Desert & Delta Safaris (as its ground handler) to organise the charter flight.