Botswana has introduced the inaugural Xere Cultural Festival, which will be held annually in Xere, a village located 14 kilometers from Rakops in the Boteti District.
According to tourismupdate.co.za, the festival aims to diversify the country’s tourism, particularly in the wildlife-based sector, by celebrating and showcasing the rich Sesarwa culture.
Acting President Slumber Tsogwane emphasized that the Xere Cultural Festival is not only a cultural celebration but also an economic opportunity for people of Sesarwa origin. By tapping into their cultural heritage, individuals can derive economic benefits, promoting both cultural preservation and economic growth.
Tsogwane noted that the timing of the cultural festival aligns with the Botswana government’s recent launch of the “mindset change” concept. This concept seeks to drive transformation and foster a collective shift in attitudes and perspectives among citizens.
Boyce Sebetlela, Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, explained that the national mindset change campaign encourages citizens to unite behind shared principles as pillars of a high-performance culture within the national development framework.
The Xere Cultural Festival aligns with the mindset change concept, as it aims to diversify wildlife tourism by incorporating cultural elements. By highlighting both cultural heritage and natural beauty, Botswana seeks to attract a broader range of tourists and enhance its tourism offerings.
Mabuse Pule, Acting Minister of Environment and Tourism, disclosed that the government has allocated BWP6 million (approximately €411,270) for the development of the Xere Cultural Centre. Additionally, the United Nations Development Programme has contributed BWP500,000 (approximately €34,266) to support the initiative.
Pule also shared that members of the Xere Conservation Trust plan to embark on a benchmarking exercise in Cape Town. This exercise will provide valuable insights into tourism management and the organization of major events, further enhancing the success of the Xere Cultural Festival.
Overall, Botswana’s introduction of the Xere Cultural Festival demonstrates the country’s commitment to diversifying its tourism sector by incorporating cultural celebrations and heritage preservation into its offerings.
