Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE has emerged as a leading advocate for travel facilitation and regional tourism integration after successfully championing a landmark resolution that won unanimous support from African member states during the 69th United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Regional Commission for Africa (CAF) held in Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles.
The resolution, spearheaded by the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi, seeks to dismantle travel and trade barriers across the continent, improve connectivity and accelerate Africa’s tourism competitiveness through deeper regional integration.
The development is expected to strengthen efforts to unlock Africa’s vast tourism potential by making travel easier, boosting investment and increasing visitor flows across the continent.
The high-level meeting, convened alongside the Thematic Conference on Strengthening Human Capital to Boost Africa’s Tourism Growth, brought together Tourism Ministers, policymakers, industry leaders, academia, development partners and affiliate members from across Africa to deliberate on strategies to advance the sector.
In an update, the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry said discussions centred on positioning tourism as a key driver of economic transformation and regional development.
Tourism remains one of Africa’s fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing significantly to employment, foreign currency generation and inclusive economic growth.
However, stakeholders have consistently identified restrictive visa regimes, fragmented air transport systems and inadequate connectivity as major impediments to unlocking the continent’s full tourism potential.
Against this backdrop, Zimbabwe’s intervention received broad support from member states.
“Zimbabwe emerged as a key voice during the Ministerial Policy Dialogue, with the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Hon Barbara Rwodzi, championing a landmark resolution on travel facilitation that received unanimous endorsement by Member States.
“The resolution calls on the UN Tourism Secretary-General, working through the African Union Commission, to mobilise support for recognising Tourism as a strategic Economic sector, removing Travel and Trade barriers, operationalising the Free Skies Policy and advancing the introduction of an African Univisa through Regional Economic Communities in line with the AU Agenda 2063,” the ministry said.
The proposed African Univisa and implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market, commonly referred to as the Free Skies Policy, are regarded as critical building blocks for increasing intra-African travel, reducing transport costs and stimulating trade and investment.
The ministry said the resolution also provides a practical framework for coordinated policy implementation involving multiple Government portfolios.
“The resolution also paves the way for an Intergovernmental meeting bringing together Ministers responsible for Tourism, Finance, Transport, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and related sectors to develop practical solutions that enhance intra-African travel, strengthen Connectivity, stimulate Tourism Investment and position Africa as a more accessible and globally competitive Tourism destination.”
Zimbabwe has consistently advocated for stronger regional tourism collaboration under the African Union’s Agenda 2063, with the latest resolution reinforcing the country’s growing influence in shaping continental tourism policy while advancing initiatives to enhance mobility, investment, and sustainable growth across Africa’s tourism industry.
