Nomad_Africa_Edition12

ZIMBABWE
WOOS CHINESE TOURISTS WITH
VISA RELAXATION
The Zimbabwean government will be relaxing visa restrictions for
Chinese tourists entering the country as of July 1, in an effort to boost
inbound tourism.
Words: KERRY HAYES
the new visa regime will see
China migrating from a Category
C in Zimbabwe’s migration
management system, to a
Category B – in effect, moving
visa requirements from ‘prior
to travel’, to required only at
port of entry. Category A
refers to countries whose nationals
are exempt from visa requirements;
Category B to those required to obtain visas at
the port of entry (on arrival); and Category C
to those required to apply for visas prior to
travel.
Zimbabwe’s Permanent Secretary of Tourism
and Hospitality, Thokozile Chitepo, says “the
relaxation is set to increase tourism arrivals, as
many tourists can easily obtain visas. It will also
increase the convenience to the travelling
public, especially for those that will get visas at
the port of entry, as they will not have to go
through a lengthy visa application process. In
addition, people can decide, at short notice,
to visit Zimbabwe – particularly when already
visiting the region. Subsequently, that will lead
to increased tourism receipts and other benefits
to the economy”.
CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA),
Karigoga Kaseke, concurs. “Tourism thrives in
a more open, accessible and friendly environment,
and the visa regime plays a pivotal role
in pushing for tourism growth. Easing the visa
policy for the Chinese markets will make destination
Zimbabwe more competitive and attractive,
especially as it competes in the global
marketplace. The Chinese market is the world's
fastest-growing source market, posting more
than 135 million Chinese outbound travellers
(2016), and topping the world's international
tourism spending on $258b (€222.6b)
(UNWTO – 2017). From that, Zimbabwe only
enjoys a fraction of fewer than 15 000 arrivals
(2017). The relaxation will result in more travel
from China, as currently the visa process for the
Chinese tourists was still conditional (Category
B) for tourists recommended by a tour operator.
Now, there are no conditions to the travelling
tourists who now cover business, as they
will all get visas at the port of entry. Thus, the
relaxation presents an opportunity not only to
tourism growth, but other consequent economic
benefits that come with it”.
Gavin Rennie, Director of local tour operator
Off2Africa adds: “China is a massive source
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