TOURISM players have welcomed moves by more regional countries to relax travel restrictions and re-opening of borders as positive steps towards recovery of the tourism sector.
Botswana is among the regional countries that recently announced lifting of travel restrictions and phased re-opening of some of its ports of entry, including the Kazungula border post which will resume commercial activity on the 1st of next month.
Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) Victoria Falls Chairperson, Anald Musonza welcomed the phased re-opening of regional borders and highlighted the need for Kavango Zambezi (KAZA) member countries to embrace regional tourism post-covid-19.
“Within this region, which we call Kavango Zambezi, we are trying to grow as an attractive destination with Victoria Falls being the hub. Botswana is a key component of this as many tourists transit through that country,” he said.
With more international and regional destinations lifting the travel restrictions, emphasis is on ensuing responsible restart and strict adherence to the agreed safety and health protocols.
“Safety now has become the most important determinant of whether tourists can visit a destination. Where there is a safe destination, people will certainly have confidence and travel,” he said.
The phased re-opening of the regional borders comes at a time the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) announced plans for the roll out of new international code to provide greater legal protection of tourists.
