Tourism authorities in the Kavango–Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (Kaza-TFCA) are advocating for policy harmonisation to assist in the ease of doing business in the countries involved.
Kaza-TFCA is situated in the Kavango and Zambezi river basins where the borders of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.
Although a uni-visa model was introduced for tourists to avoid to obtain multiple visas when visiting the member countries, calls are now being made for the same privilege to be extended to vehicles that carry tourists.
Member countries are allegedly restricting vehicles from their neighbours from crossing the border as they imposed exorbitant charges.
“Now we want among ourselves as tourism authorities to see how we can harmonise these so people can move freely. This is something on course and we are discussing,” Zimbabwe Tourism Authority acting chief executive Givemore Chidzidzi was quoted as saying by Chronicle.
“…if we have put in the Kaza visa, what are we doing with the vehicles, are they enjoying the same privilege?”
Wild Horizons chief executive Gary Archer said while Zimbabwean operators complain about tour operating vehicles being restricted from crossing into Botswana, Zambian authorities also had similar complaints about Zimbabwean tour vehicles crossing the northern neighbour’s border willy-nilly.
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