botswana tourism logo

Brand Botswana is the custodian of the Pride Mark; Botswana’s national brand. It is a single identity and an agreed set of values, created to stimulate stronger communities, culture and heritage. It’s purpose is to instil a greater sense of pride and community engagement in our country. Administratively, Brand Botswana is responsible for the:

  • development and management of the overall branding, marketing and promotion of the country
  • coordination of branding, marketing and promotions by key national stakeholders such as tourism, export, investment, government entities
  • authorisation to appraise Brand Botswana stakeholder activities, behaviours and communications for compliance with national brand strategy and call stakeholders into account management and licensing of the Botswana brand logo (Pride mark)
  • management of the PushaBW campaign

botswana tourism logo

botswana tourism logo

Botswana Tourism Organisation

botswana tourism logo

  • Verified Listing

Questions & Answers

Verified business.

  • Images home
  • Editorial home
  • Editorial video
  • Premium collections
  • Entertainment
  • Premium images
  • AI generated images
  • Curated collections
  • Animals/Wildlife
  • Backgrounds/Textures
  • Beauty/Fashion
  • Buildings/Landmarks
  • Business/Finance
  • Celebrities
  • Food and Drink
  • Healthcare/Medical
  • Illustrations/Clip-Art
  • Miscellaneous
  • Parks/Outdoor
  • Signs/Symbols
  • Sports/Recreation
  • Transportation
  • All categories
  • Shutterstock Select
  • Shutterstock Elements
  • Health Care
  • Sound effects

PremiumBeat

  • PixelSquid 3D objects
  • Templates Home
  • Instagram all
  • Highlight covers
  • Facebook all
  • Carousel ads
  • Cover photos
  • Event covers
  • Youtube all
  • Channel Art
  • Etsy big banner
  • Etsy mini banner
  • Etsy shop icon
  • Pinterest all
  • Pinterest pins
  • Twitter All
  • Twitter Banner
  • Infographics
  • Zoom backgrounds
  • Announcements
  • Certificates
  • Gift Certificates
  • Real Estate Flyer
  • Travel Brochures
  • Anniversary
  • Baby Shower
  • Mother's Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • All Invitations
  • Party invitations
  • Wedding invitations
  • Book Covers
  • About Creative Flow
  • Start a design

AI image generator

  • Photo editor
  • Background remover
  • Collage maker
  • Resize image
  • Color palettes

Color palette generator

  • Image converter
  • Creative AI
  • Design tips
  • Custom plans
  • Request quote
  • Shutterstock Studios
  • Data licensing

You currently have 0 credits

See all plans

botswana tourism logo

Image plans

With access to 400M+ photos, vectors, illustrations, and more. Includes AI generated images!

botswana tourism logo

Video plans

A library of 28 million high quality video clips. Choose between packs and subscription.

botswana tourism logo

Music plans

Download tracks one at a time, or get a subscription with unlimited downloads.

Editorial plans

Instant access to over 50 million images and videos for news, sports, and entertainment.

Includes templates, design tools, AI-powered recommendations, and much more.

Botswana Brand Logo royalty-free images

129 botswana brand logo stock photos, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free for download..

Made in Botswana handwritten flag ribbon typography lettering logo label banner Stock Vector

Our company

Press/Media

Investor relations

Shutterstock Blog

Popular searches

Stock Photos and Videos

Stock photos

Stock videos

Stock vectors

Editorial images

Featured photo collections

Sell your content

Affiliate/Reseller

International reseller

Live assignments

Rights and clearance

Website Terms of Use

Terms of Service

Privacy policy

Modern Slavery Statement

Cookie Preferences

Shutterstock.AI

AI style types

Shutterstock mobile app

Android app

© 2003-2024 Shutterstock, Inc.

botswana tourism logo

LATEST NEWS

  • Statement by the President of Botswana on elephant hunting
  • H.E. Dr. Masisi’s inauguration speech
  • BOTSWANA – ‘The cradle of Human Kind’
  • Brand Botswana engages Batswana in the Diaspora
  • BITC – Limkokwing University MOU signing
  • BITC Signs MOU With ZIA/Exhibits at ZITF
  • Botswana bags Gold at Gold Coast Games
  • The Association
  • Executive Committee
  • Events calendar
  • Latest news
  • HATAB picture gallery
  • The role of HATAB
  • HATAB Code of conduct
  • HATAB Constitution & Rules
  • Become a HATAB Member
  • Useful links
  • Visit Botswana
  • Brief information
  • This is Botswana guide
  • ------------------------
  • Architecture
  • Arts and dance
  • Botswana Pride
  • Botswana Tourism Organisation
  • Birdwatching
  • Exhibitions & Conferencing
  • Gaborone Dam
  • Mobile Safaris
  • National parks
  • Okavango Delta
  • Star Grading System
  • Camps & Lodges
  • Mobile Sector
  • Hotel Sector
  • Conservation & Wildlife
  • Tour Operators
  • Air Charter & Airlines
  • Mobile Operators
  • e-Reservations

Welcome to Botswana

Botswana is located in southern africa and is bordered by south africa, namibia, zambia and zimbabwe. it is roughly the same size as france or texas, with a surface area of 581,730 sq km..

Botswana uses the pula (BWP) as its national currency. The pula is divided into 100 thebe. The pula is freely traded and there are no currency restrictions. It is one of Africa’s strongest currencies. Notes are P200, P100, P50, P20 and P10. Coins are P5, P2, P1 and thebe 50t, 25t, 10t, and 5t.

Summer is from December to March. High temperatures average 30C to 35C with lows around 18C and rain particularly in December and February. Winter is June to August. Daytime temperatures around 23C with night-time lows averaging 5C.

The official languages of Botswana are Setswana and English.

Botswana is on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT+2 hours.

The Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana(HATAB) was formed in 1982 and over the past 38 years ,the association has helped to improve and promote the tourism industry which is the second-largest contributor to the country’s economy. In addition, HATAB ensures that high standards are maintained throughout the industry.

HATAB is a non-profit organization which represents the various sectors of the hospitality and tourism industry including:

  • Airline & Air Charter
  • Conservation & Wildlife Management
  • Mobile Safari
  • Self Catering

The association has an annual publication This is Botswana which acts as a membership directory. Click on the cover to browse the guide online.

HATAB’s vision is to ensure that each and every visit to Botswana is positive and that each visitor feels compelled to return after a fantastic experience.

inclusive-tourism.jpg

HATAB - latest news

  • Covid 19 documents
  • HATAB CEO LILY RAKORONG INTERVIEW
  • CORONA VIRUS UPDATES
  • PRESS RELEASE ON RESPONSE TO COVID -19
  • HATAB Conference Postponement 2020

Read more news >

Botswana Guide 2024-25

This is Botswana 2024 25 web

Member information

> HATAB Code of conduct  > HATAB Constitution and Rules

Become a Member

Join today and enjoy the many benefits of being a HATAB member. For more details click here >

HATAB campsites are solely reserved for HATAB Mobile Safari Operators registered in Botswana.  For more information with regards to bookings please click here >

HATAB Head Office

Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana Tel: +267 395 7144 Fax: +267 390 3201 [email protected]

Maun Booking Office

Tribal Plot 529, Maun Mopane Road, French Connection Tel: +267 686 0143 Cell: +267 7135 0954 [email protected]

This-is-Botswana

Published and managed by: Land & Marine Publications Ltd. Tel: +44 (0)1206 752902 Email us www.landmarine.com

Select Language

facebook-icon

ADVERTISE  If you are interested in advertising on this website, please  Email us  or call: +44 (0)1206 752902

SiteLock

Explore the wonders of Botswana

Botswana tourism - a way of diversifying the economy.

Botswana's principal tourist attractions are its game reserves, with hunting and photographic safaris available. Other attractions include the Okavango Delta region, which during the rainy season is a maze of waterways, islands, and lakes. The tourism industry also helped to diversify Botswana's economy from traditional sources such as diamonds and beef and created around 23,000 jobs in 2005.

Botswana offers the traveller a choice of accommodation options from top class tourist hotels, luxury lodges and safari camps, to budget guesthouses and camping grounds. The major tourist areas have a choice of private lodges, safari camps, and public camping sites. [1]

...

Tourists Destinations

Tourism champions, botswana tourism organisation, bto.

bto

The mission of BTO is to develop and champion tourism, so as to build the sector into a key driver of economic growth. Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) provides tourism information and promotion about our country's natural appeal; our stunning and seemingly endless wilderness, prolific wildlife, cultural diversity, and welcoming people. BTO also grades and classify tourist accommodations so that they are consistent with consumer expectations and industry ratings standards. Botswana Tourism is committed to responsible tourism. Therefore, the Botswana government’s conservation and wildlife management policies, along with the eco-tourism strategies work in concert to ensure that Botswana’s tourism is sustainable for it’s inhabitants and future generations of tourists, while contributing meaningfully to the national economy. [2]

Major Tourism Sectors

Game reserves and national parks.

Three national parks and seven game reserves that are wildlife shelters occupy 17% of the land area of Botswana. The three national parks are the Chobe National Park, the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi National Park and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. The seven game reserves are the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Gaborone Game Reserve, Khutse Game Reserve, Mannyelanong Game Reserve, Maun Game Reserve and Moremi Game Reserve. In addition, a number of small privately owned reserves are maintained.

linyati

The Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino and buffalo - along with a huge variety of other less famous but equally impressive animals – antelopes, giraffe, zebras, wildebeest, red lechwe, puku and hippo – can be seen in abundance in Botswana's two main parks, Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. [8]

linyati

Botswana is around 90% covered in savanna, varying from shrub savanna in the southwest in the dry areas to tree savanna consisting of trees and grass in the wetter areas. Even under the hot conditions of the Kalahari Desert, many different species survive; in fact the country has more than 2500 species of plants and 650 species of trees. Vegetation and its wild fruits are also extremely important to rural populations living in the desert and are the principal source of food, fuel and medicine for many inhabitants.

camping

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a vast inland river delta in northern Botswana. It's known for its sprawling grassy plains, which flood seasonally, becoming a lush animal habitat. The Moremi Game Reserve occupies the east and central areas of the region. Here, dugout canoes are used to navigate past hippos, elephants and crocodiles. On dry land, wildlife includes lions, leopards, giraffes and rhinos.

mog

Rock Paintings

Tsodilo Hills, now a World Heritage rock art site where some 4,500 paintings have so far been recorded. Although some of the paintings were made by San/Bushmen most are believed to have been made by Khoi (Khoe) people and also by Bantu immigrants like the Hambakush who arrived there about 1,800 years ago. It is possible that most of this art was made during the last 2,000 years. In eastern Botswana a lot of the art is San art but there is also some Khoe art in the east. [7]

b13

Museum and art galleries

A multi-disciplinary institution that includes the National Art Gallery and Octagon Gallery, as well as—since November 2007—the National Botanical Garden. Displays traditional Botswana crafts and paintings and aims to celebrate the work of local artists. A list of some museum sites are; 1. Botswana National Museum 2. Kgosi Bathoen II (Segopotso) Museum 3. Kgosi Sechele I Museum 4. Khama III Memorial Museum 5. Nhabe Museum 6. Phuthadikobo Museum 7. Supa Ngwano Museum Centre

Urban Tourism

Intensive urban growth and proliferation of urban settlements are basic characteristicks of postcolonial development in Botswana. Immediately before gaining independence, only 4% of the population lived in urban settlements. According to the Government Central Statistick Office (CSO), 47.5% of population will live in cities, townships and urban villages by year 2001. [6]

bdc

Desert Race

Drawing thousands of motor sport fanatics from across the globe to the small town of Jwaneng in Botswana, the Toyota Kalahari Botswana 1000 Desert Race is upon us. A motor spot competition, the Toyota 1000 Desert Race takes place annually towards the end of June. 2018 will mark the 37th year that the competition has been held with each year proving that the race is gaining a bigger following as it continues to grow in popularity. The race draws over 120 000 spectators, making it the biggest off road race in Africa. Spectators come from neighbouring countries and abroad to enjoy the thrill of race cars zipping past at uncanny speeds. [5]

desert race

Premium Partners

botswana tourism logo

5 questions about Air Botswana’s rebrand

Air Botswana recently purchased two brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft and upon seeing pictures of the aircraft, I couldn’t help but notice a new logo on the side of the planes. It was later reported that Air Botswana had rebranded to mark the airline’s 30th anniversary… they kept that very quiet!

A rebrand for an organisation such as Air Botswana is very interesting, as it’s a brand people have a love/hate relationship with. Being a parastatal, people have long been calling for the airline to be privatised because Air Botswana is notorious for delays, infrequent flights and extremely high ticket prices. A national airline should induce a sense of national pride, but regrettably; emotions are normally frustration, anger and embarrassment. There was a time when Air Botswana had scheduled flights to Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare and Windhoek, but the airline’s decline has seen all international destinations, except Johannesburg, phased out. Three decades of Air Botswana and you’re left wondering how it has survived this long, let alone afforded new planes… or a rebrand for that matter.

[At the time of this post being written, there are reports that suggest Air Botswana will be reintroducing flights to Cape Town.]

A rebrand is not a decision any organisation should take lightly; it’s a huge undertaking that implies people should expect change. Rebranding can breathe new life into a business or product, but there needs to be a strategy and it has to be done for the right reasons. This is why Air Botswana’s rebrand is intriguing since most of the reasons large organisations rebrand do not really apply to Air Botswana. They have no competition, so they don’t need to reposition themselves in a market they fully monopolise. If anything, they need to redefine and reinforce their brand, but not necessarily reinvent it. Therefore I have my concerns, so here are my five questions about Air Botswana’s rebrand.

The quotes below were taken from an article in the ‘Wings of Service’ magazine with regards to the rebrand.

1. Why celebrate diamonds?

“…the design is inspired by Botswana’s diamonds, represented by the three shapes that make up the ‘tail’ of the logo…”

This rebrand marks the 30th anniversary of Botswana’s only airline; 30 years of serving the people and visitors of Botswana. Yet the new icon emphasises a commodity from another industry unrelated to aviation. Of course, diamonds are iconic as they heavily contribute to the country’s economy and they are a crucial factor in Botswana’s growth. But the ease with which the diamond is integrated and celebrated across other business sectors shows disregard to the other industries, which are far from insignificant. Lest we forget, Botswana also mines other valuable minerals (coal, copper) and there are other economic contributors such as farming and beef.

Tourism is arguably what Botswana is best known for and even the Brand Botswana logo emits a sense of warmth, vibrancy and positivity by incorporating the sun. Air Botswana and tourism go hand-in-hand, so the permanent feature of diamonds seems very odd. I’m not sure a diamond is the most appropriate element to incorporate into the rebrand. Yes, from a design perspective, the diamond shape is a good shape to manipulate and construct something visually aesthetic. I’m not suggesting the logo should have featured a farmer or sorghum or a cow, but I do feel using the diamond is very much ‘inside the box’ thinking.  

Also, the symbolic meaning behind the diamond shape is not a natural association with Air Botswana. Words such as ‘purity, innocence, love, fidelity, ethics, faithfulness, truth and trust’. The diamond also represents finery and has a luxurious, high-end appeal, which is actually one of Air Botswana’s biggest failings. The whole experience screams budget airline, but the cost of flying is too high-end.

The brand identity needed to be humble, honest and vibrant, which leads me to my next question.

2. Was there an alternative to diamonds?

A great example of an airline that rebranded with people in mind is Hawaiian Airlines – click here to view the case study.

The last paragraph of the article states:  

“The new logo honours the airline’s heritage, while capturing the timeless spirit of modern Botswana.”  

There are literally dozens of alternatives to the all-to-obvious-and-safe-option that is diamonds – any number of the land animals and birds, the Okavango Delta, the bushmen, the exotic plants. A strong contender for me would be to take inspiration from the Botswana basket design. The brand needs an element that resonates and connects with the people, an iconic concept to be proud of.

Basket designs are amazing and have a complexity that represents a high level of skills and competence. Such complex designs could also represent the diversity within the country, the people and cultures. The basket truly signifies the country’s heritage and modern Botswana, while also promoting a local commodity/craft. Air Botswana could have had custom made baskets to serve their snacks, and even sold baskets onboard flights. Plus the product is 100% a Botswana product. There are no foreign influences, they are made in Botswana by Batswana, the skill was developed in Botswana and the materials used are natural resources found in Botswana.

If the continuation of the zebra print wasn’t an option, then an equally flexible, artistic and visually pleasing alternative could have been the basket design. But then again, what was wrong with the zebra print?

3. Why do away with the zebra print?

They say ‘if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it’, so what was wrong with the zebra print concept? Why has it not been integrated within the new design? The zebra is the national animal of Botswana and evokes national pride. The zebra print element was easily recognisable, quite unique in the sense it’s an element unused by any other African nation within their national airline branding (that I’m aware of). Air Botswana’s brand stood out because of this noticeable feature. Isn’t that the objective of a brand… to stand out… be different?  

In my opinion, the zebra print was the Air Botswana brand and it was a flexible feature, as it beautifully decorated Air Botswana’s fleet of planes. In essence, the zebra print gave the Air Botswana brand character and relevance in the fact it’s the national symbol. So why remove the brand’s personality? Part of the challenge for any brand is brand awareness and in my opinion, the zebra print was Air Botswana’s strongest brand component. Due to its significance, I doubt this integral feature would have been removed had Air Botswana been privatised.

4. Why place visual significance on southern Africa?

“…the three shapes are grouped to suggest the shape of southern Africa.”

If the shape’s formation represents southern Africa, then why does the larger triangular shape at the bottom place more significance on the most southern area, which is South Africa? If I’m interpreting the hidden meaning correctly… I can see the central shape is black, as too is the word ’Botswana’, so the black shape signifies the country. Therefore the light blue colour represents ‘air’, so that must mean there are plans to reinstate international flights across the southern African region. But sometimes the obvious isn’t always a bad thing if it’s professionally and creatively executed. It would make more sense to form the shapes into the map of Botswana. The airline is called Air Botswana, not Air Southern Africa. Why place visual significance (albeit abstract) on half of the African continent?  

Maybe I am nitpicking, but I would hope the ultimate goal for the next 30 years includes plans to extend flights to destinations across the globe, not just southern Africa. In hindsight, this graphic element is potentially restricting and could very well become obsolete in the years to come. I feel a brand of this nature should be personalised to the country it’s from, there’s a reason pretty much every other airline in the world does exactly that.

5. Why is there no consistency?

“Looked at closely, the complete logo evokes an aircraft in flight with an upward trajectory, with the three diamonds on the tail and the name boldly running the length of the fuselage.”

I’m not an aviation expert, but something that is described as having an “upward trajectory” would surely be pointing upwards, but the logo is horizontal?? In any case, there is a disproportionate element I don’t like and that is the scale of the tagline. It’s so large it’s competing with the company name for dominance. Personally, I would have reduced the font size, spaced out the lettering and scaled to the width of the letters ‘SWANA’ or even ‘WANA’, as this would have balanced out the logo better.

I’m even more baffled by the supporting branding collateral and usage. A quick visit to Air Botswana’s social media pages will show you the issue with the logo’s length. If the rebrand was carried out by an experienced, professional designer or agency, surely he/she/they would have created variations of the logo for its different usages? Particularly when you consider the dimensions of social media profile pictures do not lend themselves to long horizontal logos. These are public social media pages, accessible by anyone and everyone and they are currently live with these rookie errors. This isn’t an ideal way to present your new brand and does not showcase competence.

Consistency is also key, so I’m not sure why the logo used on their marketing collateral is a completely different logo. Whatever the reason for this, it needs to be rectified ASAP. Even the typeface used to write the names of the new planes, ‘Tsodilo’ and ‘Okavango’ is a typeface that doesn’t feature on the new logo. Establishing a new brand is difficult, but these silly mistakes are making the challenge much harder than it needs to be. As I say, consistency is key and so far there is little consistency and a lot of confusion.

I hate to say it, but based on this evidence the rebrand simply doesn’t inspire faith in the airline’s capacity to understand the importance of the rebrand. Taking into account there are still flight delays and cancellations, it seems nothing has changed so far and therefore a rebrand celebrating 30 years failed within 30 days.

Some of the reasons rebrands fail are because the organisation doesn’t actually change; a new logo won’t improve your business operations or rebuild trust. A new brand mark signifies change and therefore change has to occur. Other times the rebrand just isn’t necessary and I don’t believe Air Botswana needed a complete overhaul of their brand. The existing brand simply needed a makeover to bring it into the 21st century, just a few modifications to modernise the brand, while retaining its integrity. Below are examples of other airlines who did just that.

One solution to Air Botswana’s problems has been staring them in the face for years, an option they seem reluctant to consider. They need more bums on seats and those bums need to be on those seats a lot more frequently. This can only be achieved by making flights more affordable to the wider population. Air Botswana needs to introspect, realise the inconvenient truths and deficiencies, while reorganising its internal affairs. This course of action (over the next 30 years) would be far more beneficial to themselves, their investors and their customers than a new image.  

The wrong time for a rebrand is when you still have unresolved issues. A rebrand won’t make those issues go away, they will simply taint the new look and you can’t measure the success of the new brand. A rebrand without actual and genuine change is just papering over the cracks.  

You might also like

botswana tourism logo

Countless Batswana recently swindled out of millions via online sales: how to avoid being the next victim!

botswana tourism logo

The challenges of being a creative in Botswana – Part 1

botswana tourism logo

Batswana are not tourists?

Absolutely spot on! This rebrand has been bugging me and now I understand why, you’ve hit the nail on the head. Why did they get rid of the zebra print?! I’d love you read more on what you think about many of rebrands in Botswana. Let’s be honest, most are not good.

Your thoughts on branding are really notable, I am going to drive a number of my followers your way.

Whatever you write about hits a nerve with me, many thanks for challenging the difficult for your followers.

That is the very first time I frequented your website and I am amazed with the analysis you made here. It’s incredible. Excellent job!

You are a very bright individual!

I like what you guys are up to. Such clever work and this post does make you think differently about branding! Keep up the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my website.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

botswana tourism logo

CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization reveals plans to increase international arrivals in 2023

botswana tourism logo

  • Published: 2:41 AM UTC, Thu December 8, 2022

On the back of a great year for Botswana’s tourism, the country is devising strategies and taking initiatives for more successes for the industry next year. The country has already set its sights on new international tourism markets and is hoping to build a more vibrant MICE sector.

The Southern African nation saw the return of its biggest tourism and travel event, the Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo (BTTE) in November this year. Earlier in October, the country hosted the 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards. Both events attracted hundreds of participants and boosted confidence in Botswana’s tourism industry while giving a strong indication that it is an emerging destination for the events and meetings sector.

In a conversation with VoyagesAfriq, the CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization, Ms. Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele posited, “2022 has been quite an eventful year for our tourism sector in Botswana, and I must say that what really came out strong was the events and the conferences. For the first time in Botswana, we managed to host with finance international events of a stature that has amazed our patrons and our counterparts regionally.”

botswana tourism logo

According to her, the feat has propelled them to do more in the coming year.

“We walk into 2023 with new vigour and new energy. As we see already, the interest in the MICE sector has increased. We already see different interests in international organizations lobbying for Botswana to host these international events.”

With BTTE 2022 proving to be good in terms of the number of international buyers, Ms. Carl-Ponoesele is hopeful that the country would attract even more in the coming year.

“We received over 100 international buyers in BTTE 2022. So to us, this is a huge blessing and breakthrough because post-Covid one will not expect so much,” the CEO indicated.

As part of the approaches to achieve this, Ms. Carl-Ponoesele hinted that in addition to their traditional source markets, Botswana will turn attention to other international markets in their tourism marketing and promotion campaigns.

botswana tourism logo

“We are not only going to lean ourselves towards the traditional source markets, we are also looking at the new tourist interest because we have the UAE market which is coming up, and by virtue of having the desert, we are looking forward to working with the UAE market. We are also looking at penetrating the Japanese and the Asia markets because they have also been quiet for some time” she stressed.

Ms. also disclosed that they are looking forward to a bigger and better BTTE in 2023. In light of this, they would ensure providing seamless travel for international agents and participants.

The CEO explained, “We are already lobbying for partnerships with other airlines. During the WTM London, we managed to engage with Ethiopian Airlines and lobbied for assistance with the transportation of our international agents for BTTE 2023 to reduce the travel time and the layover time during the transit.”

Related Posts

botswana tourism logo

EasyJet Expands to West Africa with Low-Cost Flights to Cabo Verde

EasyJet will introduce its first low-cost flights from Portugal to Cabo Verde, marking a notable expansion into West Africa starting October 29th. The inaugural flight will connect Lisbon to the

botswana tourism logo

Boeing 737 skids off runway in Senegal

A Boeing 737-300 aircraft has skidded off a runway in Senegal, injuring at least 10 people, four of them seriously. The incident occurred as Air Senegal flight HC 301 was

botswana tourism logo

Forging Pan-African Partnerships: Embracing the Tourism Renaissance at Africa’s Travel Indaba

The African intracontinental tourism market is seeing the beginnings of a renaissance and South Africa is carving out a prominent space in this milieu. Our recently implemented visa waivers are

botswana tourism logo

Follow Us on X

botswana tourism logo

VoyagesAfriq is Africa’s No 1 Travel & Tourism Media & News publication with specialist interests in presenting the continent's travel & tourism to a Global Audience. VA provides superior News content about Travel and Tourism in Africa & beyond. Our specialist team of writers and editors ensure the African travel story is told with a global perspective.

WhatsApp: +33744287093

Sign Up for our Newsletter

Interns gain executive experiences in the Office of the President

  • Virginia Tech News
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Copy address link to clipboard

Will Racek, Olivia Deegan, and Dani Villarroel pose for pictures.

Virginia Tech’s Office of the President is supported by the talent of interns and graduate assistants involved in project and events planning, culinary arts, and communications.

Experiential learning opportunities like these reflect the university’s land-grant mission and the focus of Virginia Tech Advantage , a commitment to offer broad educational experiences that help students develop the skills and networks that support their success after graduation.

Writing and communications intern Elizabeth Gill interviewed an intern and two graduate assistants about how working in the Office of the President supports their educational experience. 

Olivia Deegan poses against a Pylon wearing a summer dress and graduation robes.

Olivia Deegan

Deegan is a graduate assistant who helps with the planning and execution of events at the president’s residence, The Grove. She is graduating with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in hospitality and tourism.

What job skills have you learned from this assistantship?

I have gained managerial and leadership experience. The leadership experience that the assistantship has provided me with has allowed me to gain confidence in myself and my ability to lead others successfully. I began working at The Grove during my junior year at Virginia Tech as an event staff worker, so transitioning into the graduate assistant position was intimidating, but the experience has been so great and I've really enjoyed getting to know the student workers that I manage. 

As graduation comes closer, I am looking for full-time positions within the event management field. Reflecting on my time as the graduate assistant at The Grove, it has provided me with invaluable managerial skills, empowering me to confidently seek leadership roles within the hospitality industry.

Did working at The Grove have an influence on your academic career?

I was a psychology major for my undergraduate degree, but after my experience working at The Grove and my yearly summer work at a resort, I realized I wanted to pursue business and event management. My time at The Grove helped sway my decision to stay at Virginia Tech for a master’s degree to gain that needed experience.

I’m also finishing an independent study right now, and have been able to use what I’m doing at The Grove in my research on comparing different event spaces within the university. It’s been really interesting, as someone involved with Virginia Tech, to see the similarities and differences between these places. 

Headshot of Will Racek wearing a chef's hat and uniform and standing in front of a Hokie Stone wall.

Racek is a student culinary intern who assists with culinary arts preparation and production at The Grove. He’s on track to graduate in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in accounting and information systems with plans to go into a master’s degree program the following year.

What do you enjoy about this position?

I think a cool aspect of this internship is that my boss, Mike Arrington [executive chef for university events], really lets me experiment in my learning. You typically don’t find that flexibility in the hospitality industry, but Mike lets me experiment freely and gives me his expertise and guidance when necessary. Also, being involved in planning, logistics, and menu creation for private events is unique and beneficial, which you can see with my side business.

You mentioned you also have a side business. Can you elaborate?

I operate a small business on the side called Backyard Barbecue Catering. It’s a drop-off catering business that mainly serves private events such as tailgates. I started this business last semester when I wanted some accounting experience outside of my classes and figured I’d utilize the cooking skills I've learned at The Grove. Between the two, I was able to form a business model and create unique recipes for my menu

Describe the most intriguing project you’ve worked on since being at your internship.

We served the president of Botswana two courses — a main and a dessert. It was a rolled pork belly that was charred and smoked with mango, puree dehydrated red pepper, and these unique accoutrements on the side. It was fun to experiment with their cuisine and send a menu to get approved by the embassy. The Secret Service even came and were watching me cook the whole time.

Headshot of Dani Villarroel in a blouse in an executive boardroom.

Dani Villarroel

Villarroel is a graduate assistant who helps with priority projects and presidential initiatives through data collection, research, analysis, and presentation. She is graduating in May 2024 with a Master of Science in Business Administration – Business Analytics (MSBA-BA), and has accepted a job with KCIC Consulting in Washington, D.C.

How has your internship helped you prepare for life after graduation?

A lot of the skills someone needs in order to be prepared for post-graduation could be learned in class, but you need experience learning to work with others and how to communicate with managers and supervisors. You also need to learn how to oversee your own work, hold yourself accountable, and reach out when you do need more guidance.

I've learned all those skills from the experience that I've had here with my internships, so I feel well equipped when it comes to navigating consulting work as a whole, other than just the technical skills that I've learned from class.

What has been your favorite part of the internship?

My favorite part is getting to work with these high-level executives at Virginia Tech and being able to learn from them that they have so much experience. Dr. Wilkes (my supervisor), for example, is a first-generation student like myself. Having dialogues with her supported my confidence to take charge of projects and navigate my career.

What advice would you give a Virginia Tech student looking for an internship on campus?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to someone you know in a department that interests you. Even just starting a conversation with someone could begin a future internship program. Or they might have some advice on new or upcoming internship positions that aren't yet posted on Handshake.

It might be a little scary to reach out, but the worst thing someone can say is no, and they’ll likely refer you to someone who is better equipped to help you.

Mark Owczarski

540-231-5396

  • Campus Experience
  • Graduate Education
  • Internships
  • Office of the President
  • Pamplin College of Business
  • Virginia Tech Advantage

Related Content

Mehul Sanghani speaks to the Class of 2024 at spring university commencement

IMAGES

  1. Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) in Gaborone, South-East District

    botswana tourism logo

  2. Destinations

    botswana tourism logo

  3. botswana-holidays-logo

    botswana tourism logo

  4. Botswana Tourism Logos & Brand Assets

    botswana tourism logo

  5. Travel Botswana Flag Creative Star Logo and Business Card Design Stock

    botswana tourism logo

  6. Tourist Information

    botswana tourism logo

COMMENTS

  1. Home

    Botswana Tourism Organisation. Fairscape Precinct, Plot 70667. Fairgrounds Office Park. Building 1A & 1B, 2nd Floor (East Wing) Gaborone, Botswana. Tel: +267 391 3111 Fax: +267 395 6810 ...

  2. Brandfetch

    Logo. PNG. Icon. JPEG. About. Description. Botswana Tourism is the official brand responsible for marketing and positioning Botswana as a premier tourist destination. Under the Botswana Tourism Organisation Act, their mission is to promote investment and product diversification in the tourism industry, as well as ensure that all tourism ...

  3. About

    Brand Botswana is the custodian of the Pride Mark; Botswana's national brand. ... marketing and promotions by key national stakeholders such as tourism, export, investment, government entities ... for compliance with national brand strategy and call stakeholders into account management and licensing of the Botswana brand logo (Pride mark ...

  4. Botswana Tourism

    Botswana Tourism, Gaborone. 126,120 likes · 1,026 talking about this. Botswana is truly one of Africa's top tourism destinations,with wildlife,bird-life, and a strong commitment to wildlife...

  5. The Pride Mark

    Enhances the tourism visitation and spend; Administratively, Brand Botswana is responsible for the: ... management and licensing of the Botswana brand logo (Pride mark) PAST INITIATIVES Rural Branding. Over 100 shops, schools, filling stations, bus stops, Kgotlas were branded with the Pride Mark. This was one of Brand Botswana's initial ...

  6. Botswana Tourism Organisation

    Developing Botswana into a preferred tourism destination The Botswana Tourism Organisation was set up by the government to market tourist products and to grade and classify tourist accommoda- tion as well as to promote investment in the tourism sector. The organisation has successfully focused its efforts on achieving high standards and developing tourism strategies that exceed customer ...

  7. Tourism in Botswana

    Botswana 's principal tourist attractions are its game reserves, with hunting and photographic safaris available. Other attractions include the Okavango Delta [1] region, which during the rainy season is a maze of waterways, islands, and lakes. [2] The tourism industry also helped to diversify Botswana's economy from traditional sources such as ...

  8. Botswana Tourism

    Botswana Tourism Organisation (Botswana Tourism/BTO) is a parastatal corporate body established through the Botswana Tourism Organisation Act of 2009 to: Plan, develop and implement tourism marketing and promotion strategies for Botswana; Determine and advice Government on policies as well as implement such policies;

  9. Botswana Tourism Organisation

    Botswana Tourism Organisation | 2,054 followers on LinkedIn. This board is a parastatal body set up through an Act of Parliament 2003, with Section 5 of the mandate to: Market the Botswana Tourist Product, Grade and Classify tourist accommodation facilities as well as to promote investment in the Tourism sector. The Botswana Government's decision to establish the Botswana Tourism Board as a ...

  10. Botswana Tourism Organization Ecotourism logo

    Botswana Tourism Organization Ecotourism logo - Twin Zebras. Facebook. +267 7162 [email protected]. Projects. Services. Our full range of services. Logo design and branding. Website design and development.

  11. Botswana Tourism Organisation

    Listing. Company name. Botswana Tourism Organisation. Location. Botswana Tourism Organisation Fairscape Precinct, Plot 70667 Fairgrounds Office Park Building 1A & 1B, 2nd Floor (East Wing) Gaborone, Botswana. Contact number. +267 391 3111. Fax. +267 395 6810.

  12. Botswana Brand Logo royalty-free images

    118 botswana brand logo stock photos, 3D objects, vectors, and illustrations are available royalty-free. ... Vector travel company logo design - Country travel agency logo - Country Flag Travel and Tourism concept t shirt graphics - Travel Botswana Symbol - vector illustration.

  13. Home

    Botswana is centrally located in Southern Africa presenting an opportunity for expansion and exporting to the wider Southern African region, which provides an even bigger market. ... Botswana offers a unique and diverse experience, offering a great tourism experience with a wide range of safari offers, event tourism and adventure. A place to

  14. Home

    Hospitality & Tourism Association of Botswana Tel: +267 395 7144 Fax: +267 390 3201 [email protected]. Maun Booking Office. Tribal Plot 529, Maun Mopane Road, French Connection Tel: +267 686 0143 Cell: +267 7135 0954 [email protected]. This-is-Botswana. Published and managed by: Land & Marine Publications Ltd.

  15. Botswana Tourism

    The tourism industry also helped to diversify Botswana's economy from traditional sources such as diamonds and beef and created around 23,000 jobs in 2005. Botswana offers the traveller a choice of accommodation options from top class tourist hotels, luxury lodges and safari camps, to budget guesthouses and camping grounds.

  16. 5 questions about Air Botswana's rebrand

    Tourism is arguably what Botswana is best known for and even the Brand Botswana logo emits a sense of warmth, vibrancy and positivity by incorporating the sun. Air Botswana and tourism go hand-in-hand, so the permanent feature of diamonds seems very odd. I'm not sure a diamond is the most appropriate element to incorporate into the rebrand.

  17. Botswana 50th Anniversary Logo

    Botswana 50th Anniversary Logo. Printer-friendly version. File: Bot_50_logo_ Final.pdf. Printer-friendly version.

  18. Botswana Tourism Organisation Corporate

    Botswana Tourism Organisation Corporate. 6,306 likes · 1 talking about this. Sharing all corporate content from Tenders to Job posts and everything to do with the Organisational structure. Botswana Tourism Organisation Corporate

  19. CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization reveals plans to increase

    In a conversation with VoyagesAfriq, the CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization, Ms. Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele posited, "2022 has been quite an eventful year for our tourism sector in Botswana, and I must say that what really came out strong was the events and the conferences. For the first time in Botswana, we managed to host with finance ...

  20. Interns gain executive experiences in the Office of the President

    Virginia Tech's Office of the President is supported by the talent of interns and graduate assistants involved in project and events planning, culinary arts, and communications.. Experiential learning opportunities like these reflect the university's land-grant mission and the focus of Virginia Tech Advantage, a commitment to offer broad educational experiences that help students develop ...

  21. Contact Us

    A qualified team of people will handle your request and will contact you shortly. If you would like to visit or call: Botswana Tourism Organisation Plot 50676, Fairgrounds Office Park Block B, Ground Floor Gaborone, Botswana Tel: +267 391 3111, Fax: +267 395 9220 Email: [email protected].