African countries urged to ease travel restrictions to boost tourism

The second day of the Investment Forum Africa is currently underway in Cape Town, under the theme: Unlocking Intra Africa Tourism Investment, Building Long Term Sustainability and Resilience. This conference aims to promote investments and trade opportunities within the tourism and related sectors. Victor Constantino, the Project Director at the Municipality of Praia, Cabo Verde, recently shared his experiences and insights on the challenges hindering the African tourism space. Constantino highlighted the need for infrastructure financing and emphasized the significance of easing travel restrictions to enhance intra-African travel and connectivity. Constantino's journey from Cabo Verde to Cape Town painted a vivid picture of the current obstacles faced by travelers within the African continent. He recounted his extensive journey that spanned multiple African countries, underscoring the complexities and inefficiencies in the current travel system. Constantino stressed the importance of leaders prioritizing discussions on infrastructure financing and operational strategies to streamline travel processes and enhance the overall tourism experience. The need for policy reforms and collaborative efforts among African nations was a key point in Constantino's address. He advocated for free taxes across all countries, reduction of e-visa requirements, and complete elimination of visa restrictions for intra-African travel. Constantino emphasized the necessity for leaders to focus on practical solutions and swift decision-making to facilitate seamless travel and promote economic growth within the region. In response to a question about policy recommendations to enhance intra-African travel, Constantino reiterated the importance of prioritizing the people's needs and streamlining administrative processes. He called for a reduction in administrative expenses, including salaries and benefits, to allocate resources towards reducing taxes and improving travel facilitation. Constantino emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among African leaders to prioritize the collective prosperity and ease of travel for their citizens. The call for eased travel restrictions and enhanced connectivity within the African region is vital for fostering economic growth and promoting tourism development. As Constantino aptly summarized, "...we need this, if you reduce it automatically we have the money to reduce the tax and compare, this is my opinion." His insights shed light on the practical steps needed to unlock the full potential of intra-African tourism and create a more seamless travel experience for visitors and locals alike. As the Investment Forum Africa continues its discussions on unlocking tourism investment and building long-term sustainability, Constantino's perspectives serve as a compelling reminder of the urgent need for policy reforms and collaborative efforts to drive growth and innovation within the African tourism sector.