VICTORIA FALLS, Aug 26 – President Robert Mugabe said African governments must facilitate easier movement of people across borders through a uni-visa system to boost intra-continental travel and boost revenue from the tourism sector.
Africa can only improve its share of global tourism receipts through adopting an open border concept, Zimbabwean news agency New Ziana reported the president as saying.
“There is no way Africa can increase its portion of the global tourism cake without first promoting intra African travel,” Mugabe said when opening the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly here.
“Connectivity of African cities, regions and attractions augurs well for growing Africa’s share as it serves to integrate the African tourism product, its marketing and promotion which in turn makes it more attractive to long haul travellers than is the case now,” he said.
Africa currently accounts for only four percent of global tourism receipts, a situation which President Mugabe said was “of great concern.”
“It is very critical that Africa evolves strategies that lure tourists to the continent. This assumes even greater importance in view of Europe’s efforts to keep the tourism dollars within the Euro zone by imposition of punitive airport departure taxes for intercontinental travellers,” he said.
Southern Africa is in the process of introducing a regional visa.
The general assembly is hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia and is held from Aug 24 to 29.
More than 2,000 participants attended the official opening of the general assembly.
– BERNAMA
