By Staff Reporter
HARARE — Tourism minister Barbara Rwodzi has called for stronger cultural ties and easier cross-border travel, pitching a single COMESA tourist visa as a game-changer for African tourism.
Speaking at the Tourism and Culture Night at Heritage Village in Harare on Monday, Rwodzi said shared cultural experiences could strengthen regional integration as leaders gathered for the 25th COMESA Summit.
“As we deliberate on COMESA, we must strengthen connectivity in tourism.
“It is a powerful instrument when we share a meal together.
You become closer when you eat and drink together,” she said.
The proposed COMESA UniVisa would allow tourists to visit multiple member states under one visa, reducing travel costs and immigration hurdles while encouraging longer stays and increased spending.
Foreign affairs minister Amon Murwira said opening the regional tourism market to 640 million people could unlock significant economic opportunities.
Zimbabwe is also pushing to expand simplified travel arrangements, building on the KAZA UniVisa, which facilitates tourism between participating countries including Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Rwodzi said combining cultural heritage with easier travel could boost tourism, support local businesses and bring African destinations closer together.
