Simplified visa regime key to African tourism growth, says De Lille
Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille says the e-visa application process must be simplified and the cost of visas be reduced to make Africa more attractive to international tourists.
De Lille was speaking at the opening of Africa’s Travel Indaba at the ICC in Durban on Tuesday.
“We must harmonise the visa regime across the continent and make it easier for visitors to move from country to country. We must simplify the e-visa application process and also reduce the cost of visas to make Africa more attractive to international visitors,” said de Lille.
The minister challenged role players in the sector to prioritise sustainable tourism practices.
“This year we want to reposition Africa’s Travel Indaba by bringing the world to Africa to positively influence the economic and cultural trajectory. We must prioritise sustainable tourism practises that address climate change, and protect our environment and cultural heritage while promoting economic development.”
De Lille believes technology can play a critical role in placing African tourism on the map.
“To invest in sustainable tourism is also to protect our communities, our natural resources and the social fabric of society. We must collaborate as African countries with the public and private sectors to achieve this critical objective. We must also prioritise innovation, technology which can help us to develop and promote our tourism more effectively”.
“We must also ensure that our efforts to promote the African tourism sector are inclusive. It must benefit the whole of society and not just a few”.
De Lille said the focus must be on implementation and there is no need for new plans.
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