Welcoming, honest immigration key to Africa’s tourism future – Expert
By Taiye Olayemi
Davidson Mugisha, Managing Director, Wildlife Tours in Rwanda, on Monday, said honest and friendly immigration officers across Africa would play pivotal role in transforming the continent’s tourism industry.
Mugisha said this during the ongoing 20th AKWAABA Africa Travel and Tourism Market, in Lagos.
The tourism expert spoke on the topic: “Transitioning the African Tourism and Travel Economy using Adventure”.
He said for Africa’s tourism industry to experience true transformation, the process must begin from the immigration officers who are the first individuals to come in contact with tourists, due to the nature of their job.
He, however, advised governments to sensitise immigration officers on the need to be honest and friendly while discharging their duties.
He also said for effective transformation of the industry, tourists and travellers generally must be able to enjoy tax reduction on airline travelling across Africa.
“Africa must work on seamless travels within the continent, uninterrupted internet connection, secured destinations and encourage product development and diversification.
“It is also important we invest in community based tourism to generate the right figures in terms of revenue. Our immigration must be sensitised to be more friendly and honest, they should look away from taking bribe,” he said.
Also, an event specialist, Edi Lawani, said, “Africa must be intentional about creating new experiences built around entertainment and sports to transform the tourism industry.
“This is important, so that we put the Genz into consideration, to engage them meaningfully, in the nearest future.”
Dr Adama Bah, Chairman, Institute of Travel and Tourism of the Gambia, said Africa’s tourism industry can only be transformed when leaders look into the possibility of making available low budget airlines.
Bah said this was important to enhance connectivity within African countries.
He also advised on the need for Africans to invest in tourism education for the youth such that they could deliver good and formidable tourism businesses.
“Our biggest problem in African as regards tourism is interconnectivity. It took me 10 hrs to get to Lagos from Gambia, I stopped at 4 different airports. This is not encouraging,” he said.
