2014 Africa Tourism Monitor focuses on the continent’s people

Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni arrives at Speke Resort Munyonyo where he officially opened ATA’s 39th Annual World Congress

Tourism has enormous potential to transform lives, particularly in terms of job creation and human development.

In 2013 alone, the African continent welcomed 65 million visitors. By 2030, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projects that Africa’s international tourist arrivals will rise to 134 million, an increase of 106%. In the latest issue of the Africa Tourism Monitor, a joint publication produced annually by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Africa Travel Association (ATA), and New York University’s Africa House – the focus is on Africa’s greatest asset: its people.

Tanzania set to join East Africa single visa scheme

The East African Community (EAC), a regional bloc that also includes Burundi, is seeking to promote the region’s tourism potential and market member states as a single tourist destination.

Tanzania is ready to eventually join the single visa scheme – currently operational in the three East African countries of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda – amid efforts to promote the sub-region as a tourism destination.

“As a country, we are now doing our homework to look at some issues like security, once one tourism destination comes to operation,” Tourism and Natural Resources Minister Lazaro Nyalandu said.

#KTF on the state of Kenyan Tourism in light of the Update Travel Advisories

The private sector in tourism wishes to state the following in light of the updated travel advisories from some our tourist source markets:

Felix Mosha elected Chairman of the East African business Council

During the 15th Annual General Meeting held at the East African Hotel in Arusha, Tanzania, on 4th April 2014, the East African Business Council elected its new Executive Committee for the period of 2014/2015 with Mr. Felix Mosha elected as the Chairman taking over from Mr. Vimal Shah, who has served as Chairman since May 2013.

East Africa Single Tourist Visa – Things to Note

How will the single tourist visa be issued?

It will be issued upon application at any of the diplomatic representations of Uganda, Kenya &  Rwanda, at the Immigration offices of the respective countries or online, where applicable.

Joint Visa for Kenya, #Uganda and Rwanda announced at World Travel Market

The announcement during the ongoing World Tourism Market (WTM) in United Kingdom will see Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda adopt a joint visa that will facilitate free movement of tourist and citizens alike.

At present tourists travelling between the neighboring East African countries must obtain a separate visa for each nation, therefore Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda are partnering in order to simplify travel arrangements for holidaymakers, as well as creating a new brand for the whole region in turn opening up opportunities for joint marketing campaigns.