An evaluation of the contribution of ecotourism to the economy of the Republic of Botswana in 1984
Master Thesis
1992
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
In 1984, Botswana was an independent country at an early stage of development. It had a limited capital infrastructure, poor agricultural resources, a growing population and low formal sector employment. The country had been politically stable and had made a noteworthy transition from the poor economic position at independence in 1966 to the economic strength prevailing in the country at that time. The positive economic outlook was however, due mainly to a single product, diamonds. Background to the study: The Government of the Republic of Botswana had identified the development of a tourist industry as a means of stimulating and diversifying economic growth. In the absence of other attractions, tourism based upon wildlife - ecotourism - was seen as the area most amenable to such development. Government statistical and financial data does not identify tourism as a discrete activity. Analysis based upon this data suggests that the contribution of tourism to the economy of the country was negligible. It was believed this analysis is erroneous. The hypothesis underlying this study is that tourism was already making a significant contribution to the economy of Botswana in 1984 but that this contribution was not reflected because of the statistical and accounting data collection systems in use in that country. The research showed that the Central Statistics Office of the Government of Botswana produced regular statistical bulletins on tourism in Botswana.
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Bibliography: leaves 110-115.
Reference:
Fowkes, J. 1992. An evaluation of the contribution of ecotourism to the economy of the Republic of Botswana in 1984. University of Cape Town.