Glamour Meets Gratitude at HATAB 2025 Gala Dinner in Maun. 2025 Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana (HATAB) Annual Conference reached a festive crescendo last night with a Gala Dinner held at Cresta Maun, themed “Dress to Impress.”
The celebratory evening served as a well-earned pause during the 40th Annual Conference, giving tourism industry professionals, government representatives, and stakeholders an opportunity to reflect on achievements and connect in a relaxed setting.
In her welcome address, HATAB Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lily Rakorong acknowledged the dedication of all participants over the years, describing the occasion as a moment to honour “mountains climbed and milestones achieved.” She noted that the evening was curated not for long speeches but to celebrate the industry’s resilience and collective efforts over four decades.
Guest of honour, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Prince Maele, gave a brief but thoughtful keynote address. He emphasized the growing synergy between the tourism and education sectors, particularly in shaping a future-ready workforce. Minister Maele reaffirmed the government’s support for collaborative initiatives with HATAB and highlighted the pivotal role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in tackling youth unemployment.
The evening featured lively networking, entertainment, and acknowledgments of key partners. HATAB extended appreciation to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Hilton Garden Inn Gaborone, Protea Hotel Gaborone Masa Square, Kgalagadi Breweries Limited, Great Plains Conservation, and the Botswana Human Resource Development Council for their continued support.
As the conference concludes today, the Gala Dinner provided an inspiring and stylish reminder of the strength, unity, and forward-looking spirit within Botswana’s tourism and hospitality community.
