Plans are being pursued to create a single tourism visa for people on holidays to southern Africa, according to reports.
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) is set to speed up the process of introducing the Univisa, according to Business Report.
A ministerial conference held in Luanda, Angola last week encouraged the free movement of citizens between southern African countries, which could deliver a substantial boost to the regional tourism industry.
Nine member states signed an agreement to facilitate the movement of visitors between countries, including Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa.
Deputy tourism minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi, who represented South Africa at the conference, said: "Statistics of foreign arrivals gathered in the past few years provide clear evidence that the SADC region is amongst the top preferred destinations by tourists in the world."
She added: "Although the expected benefits of these plans are focused on medium- to long-term, we are expecting positive outcome during the 2010 soccer World Cup."
The Univisa is expected to operate in a similar way to Europe's Schengen visa system, which effectively removes physical borders between a number of European countries.
2 by 2 Holidays are specialists in safaris, holidays and travel to South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, and Mauritius. Click here for more information on holidays to southern Africa.
Related Articles
Holidays 'now seen as a necessity'South Africa holidays and other travel options have become so popular that they are now seen as necessities rather than ...
Published: 5/7/2008South African tourism expo to boost green profileThe African Travel Show Indaba being held this month in Durban is set to introduce a number of 'green' practices to help...
Published: 5/7/2008Sun shines on Johannesburg marathonParticipants in the Johannesburg city marathon over the weekend took part in an event that was blessed by bright sunshin...
Published: 5/6/2008
