Africa-Press – Botswana. Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) in partnership with Nthula Premier Lounge recently launched a premier lounge at the Maun International Airport to cater for all guests including non-travellers.
Strategically located on the first floor of the airport terminal building, the facility offers a range of premium amenities to cater to travellers’ needs whilst at the airport before embarking.
Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) senior development officer, Mr Thatayaone Mmapatsi said in an interview that the opening of Nthula Private Lounge was a significant milestone for the growth of Botswana’s tourism industry.
Mr Mmapatsi appreciated the value of the facility saying the facility was not just a local development but a strategic national investment in Botswana’s tourism brand equity.
The establishment of the premier facility at the critical transit point would enhance the overall visitor experience, aligning with BTO’s objectives of quality assurance and destination competitiveness.,” he said “Maun serves as the gateway to the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s top tourist attractions, and as BTO, we are mandated to promote and position Botswana as a premier tourist destination and therefore opening of Nthula lounge is a welcome development,” he added.
He said the lounge, which accommodated up to 28 people, provided a range of premium services such as comfortable seating, complimentary internet access, and a generous buffet spread.
The services, he said directly catered to high net-worth individuals, business travellers and frequent fliers, key target segments in Botswana’s high-value, low-impact tourism strategy. Mr Mmapatsi highlighted that through the lounge’s operating hours from 6am to 10pm daily, ensured efficient and convenient services for travellers, thus strengthening Botswana’s image as a hospitable and professional tourism destination.
“As we all know that we recently launched Fly Namibia and Ethiopian Airways to use the airport, over and above the existing daily flights to and from Gaborone, Kasane and South Africa, the airport is a very busy one with clients coming both for business and pleasure, and therefore the establishment of Nthula Lounge was a must; a need and not a want,” he said.
The facility he said, not only enhanced the airport appeal but also elevated the standard of the facility, contributing to the overall competitiveness of the tourism sector by supporting customer satisfaction and repeat visitation, as well as helping meet global expectations for premium travel services.
Mr Mmapatsi said since Maun had limited tourism activities that could allow tourists to stay longer or while away time whilst awaiting their next flight, Nthula Private Lounge came in handy as it provided an ideal place for travellers to spend some more time in the village while simultaneously boosting the local economy through additional spending.
“This lounge has also created jobs and an opportunity to tap into the tourism value chain as some local artefacts can be sold there and promotion of our culture will be resembled through the decorative features of the lounge giving the client more than just a luxurious resting spot but also an information area to learn more about our country and rich tradition.”
Meanwhile, during the launch, CAAB executive officer Dr Bao Mosinyi said the authority refurbished the facility at a total cost of over P3 million and handed it over to Nthula Premier Lounge to manage.
Dr Mosinyi said the lounge offered travellers a place to rest and had something to eat as initially travellers were forced to buy food outside the airport.
The development he said, was a good step as it would provide a premium hospitality experience for travellers heading to and from the prestigious Okavango Delta.
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