By Seleoe Nonyane
The Women In Tourism Lesotho Association (WITLA) will host a three-day Women in Tourism Southern African (WITSA) summit and expo at ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre from November 27-29, 2023.
WITLA has partnered with the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) for this event.
WITLA chairperson Matšeliso Mokuoane this week said the summit is envisaged to host between 400 to 500 delegates.
The conference will be attended by, among others, women in business, local and international buyers, exhibitors, SADC ministers of tourism and investors.
About 50 international exhibitors and 15 countries are also expected to attend.
“This endeavour is aimed at stimulating the under-utilised Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) Sector in Lesotho, that can contribute to the gross domestic product of Lesotho,” Mokuoane said.
She noted that the summit aims togather key tourism stakeholders to create an ecosystem environment in developing women and youth in tourism.
It also seeks to create opportunities for businesses in the sector’s value chain, to showcase their products and services.
“It will be a platform for dialogues on current and future trends that will contribute towards the sustainability of the tourism sector,” Mokuoane pointed out.
She added that the summit will also create awareness on the SADC Industrialisation Programme with a focus on women in the Southern Region, among others.
On behalf of LTDC, Mamello Morojele said the corporation is promoting the MICE sector through the partnership between LTDC and WITLA in organising Women in the WITSA Summit and Expo.
Morojele said MICE has become a mechanism that permits information and knowledge to be shared effectively, particularly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The MICE sector further stimulates a favourable climate for local business growth which generates revenue and employment for the industry.
Morojele indicated that she had witnessed investment and growth in women-led businesses in the tourism, travel and hospitality sectors in Lesotho.
“According to a survey conducted by LTDC on accommodation in 2022, women make up the majority (60.7 percent) of the workforce in the sector compared to males who accounted for 39.3 percent of the total workforce.
“I want to emphasize that the upcoming WITSA summit is meant to create a platform to discuss key issues around tourism business development to empower women and youth in tourism and create opportunities for businesses in the tourism sector’s value chain to exhibit their products and services,” she said.
Morojele added that in preparation for the summit, LTDC has embarked on a nationwide campaign to sensitise the business community especially in the tourism, travel and hospitality sector, about the importance of attending the expo.
She also noted that it is crucial to create awareness among the youth, especially young girls and mothers about the numerous opportunities available in the tourism sector as this will address the problem of unemployment.
Executive member of Circle of Global Business Women (CGBW), ‘Manapo Makhele told the media that traditionally women are into housekeeping and this is one of the most important elements in hospitality.
In the light of this, Makhele said women have the potential for growth in the tourism business because most of them already have skills.
“For women who are keen on tourism, with additional training and exposure they make successful businesses.”
She also cited promotion of indigenous food and talents through tourism as a sustainable human investment.
Makhele said strengthening initiatives that increase the production of indigenous food especially, in the rural parts of the country, is also important not only for tourists but also for inhabitants of such areas.
“ . . . for instance, the establishment of botanical gardens at each home around the hospitality institute or firm to supply them with their meals, or even establishing a kiosk where preserved indigenous food is sold, improving the economic status of those involved.
“Such initiatives have a multiplier effect since tourists can visit the botanical gardens, hence creating more opportunities for tour guides,” she concluded.
