Africa-Press – Botswana. The Selebi Phikwe Softball Extravaganza, which will be held on Saturday has emerged as a transformative event in the hospitality industry, captivating visitors and locals alike.
As the tournament approaches, hotels have reported a remarkable surge in bookings and profits, showcasing the event’s significant economic impact.
The General Manager of Bosele Cresta in Selebi Phikwe, Mr Ferdinand Sebinyane said the influx of visitors positively impacted the hotel’s profit margins, as there was increased demand for accommodation, meals, and beverages during the event.
Accommodation here is fully booked, demonstrating an influx of visitors that drives our business forward. This annual influx during the busy holidays strongly enhances profit margins,” he asserted.
Hotel Stone House manager, Mr David Maruping, lauded the softball extravaganza as a pivotal event for their business, noting its extraordinary impact on occupancy rates. He said the event always led to a remarkable surge in accommodation bookings and better profits in July.
“We are delighted to report that we have secured more than 80 per cent of accommodation bookings. This increase not only enhances our business viability but also fosters a vibrant atmosphere in our hotel. Importantly, we have experienced no cancellations, which further underscores the enthusiasm and satisfaction of our guests,” he explained.
At TGP Hotels, Assistant Manager Safara Patel also shared that the softball extravaganza positively impacted the hotel business margins. She mentioned that July is usually a quiet business month, but the event assisted in drawing an enthusiastic crowd, and they significantly benefited from the influx of spectators and fans.
The CEO Caretaker at SPEDU, Ms Lesedi Kgotele, said the Selebi Phikwe Softball Extravaganza was an essential initiative for driving economic development and enhancing sport tourism.
She said the event also actively encouraged community involvement, playing a crucial role in revitalising local businesses and fostering a sense of unity among residents.
“The much-anticipated extravaganza is expected to draw in over 30,000 spectators, providing an incredible platform to showcase athletic talent from various teams and individuals. This is more than just a celebration of softball, but it is poised to become a significant sport tourism attraction that can improve the economic activities of the region,” she said.
For More News And Analysis About Botswana Follow Africa-Press