Southern Africa needs single visa

Pretoria - One visa (uni-visa) for all countries in southern Africa is the key to success of a new campaign to promote tourism in Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) in the region.

This is the view of Linda Pampallis, CE of Thompsons Africa, the largest inbound tour operator in the region.

Pampallis was speaking during the Boundless Southern Africa conference in Sandton. In all, 51 investment packages in seven TFCAs, extending over nine countries, were marketed during this investment conference headed by the South African department of environmental affairs and tourism.

According to environmental affairs and tourism minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, these investment packages hold the potential of creating 5 000 additional tourist beds, and are together worth R785m. The packages cover the entire spectrum - from basic facilities to five-star accommodation - and include conference facilities, a ski resort and golf estate.

Most are, however, aimed at the middle segment of the market and include three- and four-star lodges, houseboats and hotels.

One of Boundless Southern Africa's aims, says Van Schalkwyk, is to use the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament to accelerate development in the region and promote it as a preferred destination for investment and tourism.

The success of this initiative, reckons Pampallis, lies in the hands of the ministers of the countries participating in the project - namely Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Key markets for recreational tourists to southern Africa are Britain, USA, Germany and Japan.

She says creating a uni-visa for as many countries as possible in the region is essential to ensure Boundless Southern Africa's success.

It would enable travellers to cross borders without experiencing difficulties or long waits.

- Sake24