EA single tourist visa plan praised
Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (MCTA) chairman Mohamed Hersi (left). He said said the move by the three East African countries to introduce a single tourist visa would boost tourism in the region. The visa, which is expected to be rolled out in January 2014, is a result of a joint initiative by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda. PHOTO/FILE
What you need to know:
- The visa, which is expected to be rolled out in January next year, is a result of a joint initiative by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Tourism stakeholders have thrown their weight behind three East African countries’ move to introduce a single tourist visa.
The visa, which is expected to be rolled out in January 2014, is a result of a joint initiative by Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Mombasa and Coast Tourist Association (MCTA) chairman Mohamed Hersi said the three countries’ move to introduce a single tourist visa would boost tourism in the region.
“Over the years, it has been difficult for tourists visiting Kenya to travel to neighbouring countries unless they acquired visas for Uganda and Rwanda,” he said.
The holidaymakers, he added, would have a wider choice of tourist attractions to go for.
These include safaris in Kenya; mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda, coupled with water rafting; and climbing the Rwenzori Mountain in Uganda.
“The introduction of a single East African tourist visa is a step in the right direction as international tourists will have opportunities of exploring the region,” said Mr Hersi, who is also the Heritage Hotels chief executive officer.
Kenya Association of Tour Operators Coast branch chairperson Monika Solanki said the move was timely, adding that it would integrate the tourism sector across the region.
Ms Solanki said the visa would give tourism stakeholders in the three countries a platform to market the region as a single tourist destination.
“With the diverse tourist attractions in the three nations, we stand to woo more holidaymakers and overcome the low number of guests at our hotels and lodges,” she said.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers Coast branch executive officer Sam Ikwaye said the simplifying of travel arrangements for holidaymakers would unlock the region’s tourism potential.
