Photo credit: Talaj (AdobeStock)

Botswana has been listed amongst the low travel security risk countries in the world in 2020.

According to the report, released this week by International SOS, a travel security services company, the travel security risk rating analyses the threat posed to travellers and international assignees by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) as well as violent and petty crime.

Other factors such as the robustness of the transport infrastructure, the state of industrial relations, the effectiveness of the security and emergency services and the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters are also considered where they are of sufficient magnitude to impact the travellers’ overall risk environment.

International SOS also states that five categories ranging from “insignificant” to “extreme” risk are considered when ranking countries throughout the world. International SOS also states that five categories ranging from “insignificant” to “extreme” risk are considered when ranking countries throughout the world. In Southern Africa, Botswana is ranked on the same level as Namibia and Zambia, while South Africa is listed as a medium travel security risk country.

According to the report, countries in the same category as South Africa experience periodic political unrest, violent protests, insurgency and/or sporadic acts of terrorism occur.

“Travellers and international assignees may face risk from communal, sectarian or racial violence and violent crime. The capacity of security and emergency services and infrastructure varies. Industrial action can disrupt travel,” the report adds.

It also states that the travel security risk rating evaluates the threat posed to travellers and international assignees by political violence (including terrorism, insurgency, politically motivated unrest and war), social unrest (including sectarian, communal and ethnic violence) as well as violent and petty crime.

The report will boost Botswana’s image before the eyes of tourists and investors who want to come to the country, bringing much-needed foreign currency and creating employment. For a long time now, Botswana has embarked on a grand mission to diversify its economy and has targeted tourism as one of the sectors that can be used to diversify the economy away from mining, especially from over-dependence on diamonds.

Commenting on the document, the Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Unity Dow said the report generally shows that Botswana is very welcoming of foreigners because of the peace and tranquillity that prevails within its borders. She added that the report positively complements Botswana’s national tagline of “Our pride, your destination” which suggests that Botswana is a country where visitors can feel comfortable because of its political, social and economic variables.

Source: mmegi.bw