Maravi

Sata calls for simpler visa processes

Sata calls for simpler visa processes
By Moses Kuwema and Edwin Mbulo
Wed 30 May 2012, 13:30 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata says the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly must be used as a window to show the whole world what Zambia and Zimbabwe can offer.

Speaking yesterday during the signing ceremony of the bilateral agreement among Zambia, Zimbabwe and United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN-WTO) at the Victoria Falls Bridge, President Sata said the hosting of the assembly by the two nations marks a historic and important milestone.

"This event brings hope of prosperity of tourism to the people of both countries as it marks the beginning of preparations for the co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly…," President Sata said.

He said tourism should bring about social and economic benefits in form of revenue.

President Sata also said one of the hindrances tourism faced in Zambia was that of visas and urged tourism minister Given Lubinda to work at making the whole process simpler.

And Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe said the signing of the agreement to co-host the UN-WTO General Assembly attests the two countries' commitment to welcoming people from across the globe.

He assured the secretary general of UN-WTO Dr Taleb Rifai of the two countries' resolve to make the General Assembly a memorable event.

"Today actualises the promotion of border relations and we pledge to work together towards August next year. We should rejoice that this is a demonstration of the long standing relationship between the two nations," President Mugabe said.

He said Zambia and Zimbabwe were proud to join Senegal as the only African country that has so far hosted the UNWTO General Assembly.

"We will deliver to global tourism as the two countries in a unique African experience. We appreciate you for showing confidence in us and the challenge for us is to invest in the sector that has positive performance," said President Mugabe.

And Dr Rifai said tourism was the central phenomenon and powerful social drive, with a GDP of nine per cent in the world.

He said tourism was one of the sectors that brought people together, saying the Victoria Falls was going to host the first ever General Assembly which would see to it that Africa rose to the occasion.

Dr Rifai hoped that Africa would in the next two decades increase its tourist visits to a 150 million per year.

Labels: MICHAEL SATA, VISAS

posted by MrK @ 3:04 AM