03 Jul 2022

The electrifying and captivating Makgadikgadi Epic returned over the weekend to the pleasure of attendees.

The much talked about event entered its sixth year after being put on hold for two years due to the  COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s edition marked the launch of partnership between Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) and Botswana Meat Commission (BMC).

The partnership will help diversify tourism and market the country’s beef to international markets, said President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi at the event.

Dr Masisi said government had the ambition to expand the beef market as well as attracting tourists.

Consequently, he said there was need to diversify marketing strategies of events such the Makgadikgadi Epic to attract many people.

The President advised that instead of holding the event annually, organisers should consider having it more than once a year for the benefit of the hospitality industry and other sectors.

President Masisi also said more activities should be included to attract a high number of locals and those beyond the country’s borders.

BMC sales and marketing manager, Tshepo Modise, said BMC had a special accreditation with the United Kingdom and European Union, renewable after every two years for the supply of beef.

He said the agreement would benefit their partnership with BTO, noting it would be easy to share messages on what Botswana tourism had to offer when BMC met with international partners and investors.

Furthermore, Modise explained that they had not only partnered with BTO, but they had also established a relationship with Botswana Agricultural Marketing Board (BAMB) and Botswana Chef Association.

The partnerships, he said, aimed at ensuring that traditional cuisines were served at events such as the Makgadikgadi Epic.

“This will be another way of selling what we can offer beyond natural resources such as diamonds,” he said. ENDS