Why harmonization of travel protocols is key to reviving tourism in East Africa

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the global tourism industry, and East Africa is no exception. With each member state of the East African Community implementing its own set of lockdowns, curfews, testing, and quarantines, the region now faces the daunting task of reviving its tourism sector. Experts believe that harmonizing travel protocols across the region will be vital to ensuring a smooth and successful revival. Fred Odek, the outgoing Chairperson of the East Africa Tourism Platform, recently discussed the importance of harmonization in an interview with CNBC Africa.A key theme that emerged from the interview is the need for collaborative efforts among East African countries to streamline travel protocols and facilitate the movement of tourists across borders. Odek highlighted the challenges associated with differing protocols and emphasized the importance of aligning them to create a seamless travel experience for visitors. Three key points were raised during the interview: the use of national IDs for travel, the need for unity among East African countries, and the potential of tourism to drive economic growth and development in the region. Odek mentioned that three countries within East Africa, namely Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda, have already signed agreements to allow travelers to use their national IDs for cross-border travel. This initiative aims to simplify the process and make it easier for tourists to move between these countries. However, there is still work to be done to bring Tanzania and Burundi on board and ensure universal acceptance of national IDs for travel within the entire region.Odek acknowledged the disparities among East African countries in terms of economic development, political stability, and infrastructure, but stressed that the focus of the East Africa Tourism Platform is on promoting tourism as a means of generating employment and creating awareness about the region's offerings. He highlighted the importance of showcasing the resources and attractions of each country to attract visitors and potential investors. Odek emphasized that tourism can play a significant role in driving economic growth and development by opening up opportunities for investment and collaboration.Furthermore, Odek addressed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism and the importance of collaboration in reviving the industry. He noted that each country had adopted its own approach to managing the pandemic, leading to a variety of protocols and guidelines for travelers. Odek underscored the need to harmonize these protocols to ensure consistency and facilitate ease of travel across the region. By aligning the requirements for entry, testing, and quarantine, East African countries can create a more welcoming environment for tourists and minimize disruptions to travel.The interview with Fred Odek shed light on the challenges and opportunities facing the tourism industry in East Africa. As the region works towards reviving its tourism sector, collaboration and harmonization of travel protocols will be key to attracting visitors, stimulating economic growth, and showcasing the rich cultural and natural heritage of East Africa. By working together to create a seamless and traveler-friendly experience, East African countries can unlock the full potential of the region's tourism industry and pave the way for sustainable development and prosperity.