Waiving of visa requirements to Tanzania

Serena Hotels, a premier hotel, lodges and safari group in East Africa, has welcomed this development and expects it to play a key role in increasing interest in travel to Tanzania and growing the number of South African visitors to the country.

The positive outlook is underscored by the findings of the latest World Bank report, Tourism in Africa: Harnessing Tourism for Growth and Improved Livelihoods, 2013. The research identifies Tanzania as a country in Africa most likely to succeed in tourism, alongside with Botswana, Cape Verde, Namibia and South Africa.

Rosemary Mugambi, regional sales and marketing director of Serena Hotels believes that the mutual exemption of visas between Tanzania and South Africa, and the fact that they are both poised to reap benefits from tourism, can provide a strong foundation for further economic co-operation between the two SADC nations.

Dynamic growth

Tourism is one of the key drivers of the economy in Tanzania and has enjoyed dynamic growth over the last decade - overtaking agriculture as the main source of foreign exchange earnings. Between 2012 and 2013, the number of incoming tourists into Tanzania has risen by 24%.

"We expect that the introduction of low-cost flights between Joburg and Dar es Salaam this October will make Tanzania an even more attractive destination for South African travellers," said Mugambi. "We at Serena Hotels are ready to welcome South African tourists, families and the business community to Tanzanian wildlife, nature and boardrooms alike with our warm hospitality and excellent service."