Panafrican News Agency

Scenic flights spice Botswana’s tourism offer

Gaborone, Botswana (PANA) - Tourism players in Botswana have applauded latest innovation by the country’s national airline to introduce scenic flights.

The development is expected to cushion Air Botswana and help the airline make revenue in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic.

Nnyaladzi Malaki Monyamane, Managing Director of Gabs Experience Travel and Tours, on Tuesday said tourism businesses in the country can learn from Air Botswana’s innovation.

“This is a commendable move, especially that other countries across the world have also started doing so. Lately, we have seen Australian airline Qantas gearing up to run seven sightseeing flights over Antarctica, lasting for 12 hours,” said Monyamane.

Monyamane said scenic flights have been popular with hot tourism spots such as Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Botswana’s Okavango Delta.

He however bemoaned that it has remained a mystery to taste the beauty of Africa from the skies, for an ordinary Motswana who has not travelled to tourism resorts.

“Air Botswana has brought a vibe to the city by introducing 30 minute flights, dubbed: ‘A joyful scenic ride’ to appreciate our beautiful land.”

Monyamane is delighted that tourism that Gaborone’s tourism product is now diversified.

“The new product provided by Air Botswana is an opportunity to be explored by other tourist operators, and this will enhance the product offering in the city. At The Gabs Experience we have also positioned ourselves to introduce the product in our packages, offering a variety of wants within the scenic flights, such as additional minutes for a champagne stop,” said Monyamane.

Uncertainties continue to haunt the tourism industry and threaten to plunge the sector into an abyss.

-0- PANA DRW/AR 6Oct2020