ENVOYS from several SADC countries attended Wednesday’s announcement in Harare of the launch of a uni-visa regime between Zimbabwe and Zambia by Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi.
The trouble for Mzembi was that his Zambian counterpart failed to turn up and there was no representation from the Zambian embassy in Harare.
Making the Zambia no-show even more curious was the presence of ambassadors from Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, Botswana and representatives from the South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo missions.
Mzembi was forced to deny claims he was “walking it alone”, telling reporters the Zambians were still mourning President Michael Sata who died in London and was buried on Tuesday last week.
‘’Zambia, they are a special case as you would be aware of. They are still in a period of mourning,” said Mzembi.
“The Zambian minister is regrettably unable to join me because of the bereavement that has taken place with the passing of President Michael Sata.
‘’So when I speak, I speak on behalf of Zambia in this arrangement. So don’t report it as a snub.”
The uni-visa regime will be launched at the end of the month in a development expected to help improve the movement of tourists between the two countries.
Mzembi said there was no drama adding reporters should only be concerned if his Zambian counterpart misses the November 28 launch of the scheme.
‘’This (snub allegation) is sensationalism,” he said.
“Even when I was (recently) in the UK, I was the lead minister. I understood, because they (Zambians) were dealing with issues linked to the burial of President Sata.
“When you see me you see Zambia, when you see Zambia you see Zimbabwe. But if you don’t see them at the launch on the 28th then you should be worried.”
The two countries share the world famous Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a premier tourist attraction. They successfully ran a pilot project when they co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation 20th general assembly in August last year.
Mzembi told Wednesday’s press briefing that the uni-visa arrangement would improve Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a world renewed tourist destination.
“We want to make sure that the tourism sector performs by removing all the bottlenecks and hurdles that are inhibiting growth,” he said.
“The first move which does not require money is just being open to welcoming visitors and it starts with the revision of our thinking on facilitating express movement of people once they have entered at least one country in SADC.”
Mzembi said the visa facility will enable easier travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and will also cover people travelling to Botswana for day trips through the Kazungula border.
The uni-visa will be available to citizens from 40 countries including Japan, New Zealand, UK, Russia, France, Australia, Spain and Germany.
The uni-visa is expected to precede a common visa for southern Africa.
The trouble for Mzembi was that his Zambian counterpart failed to turn up and there was no representation from the Zambian embassy in Harare.
Making the Zambia no-show even more curious was the presence of ambassadors from Malawi, Tanzania, Angola, Botswana and representatives from the South Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo missions.
Mzembi was forced to deny claims he was “walking it alone”, telling reporters the Zambians were still mourning President Michael Sata who died in London and was buried on Tuesday last week.
‘’Zambia, they are a special case as you would be aware of. They are still in a period of mourning,” said Mzembi.
“The Zambian minister is regrettably unable to join me because of the bereavement that has taken place with the passing of President Michael Sata.
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| Mzembi defends no-show Zambians |
The uni-visa regime will be launched at the end of the month in a development expected to help improve the movement of tourists between the two countries.
Mzembi said there was no drama adding reporters should only be concerned if his Zambian counterpart misses the November 28 launch of the scheme.
‘’This (snub allegation) is sensationalism,” he said.
“Even when I was (recently) in the UK, I was the lead minister. I understood, because they (Zambians) were dealing with issues linked to the burial of President Sata.
“When you see me you see Zambia, when you see Zambia you see Zimbabwe. But if you don’t see them at the launch on the 28th then you should be worried.”
The two countries share the world famous Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and a premier tourist attraction. They successfully ran a pilot project when they co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organisation 20th general assembly in August last year.
Mzembi told Wednesday’s press briefing that the uni-visa arrangement would improve Victoria Falls’ competitiveness as a world renewed tourist destination.
“We want to make sure that the tourism sector performs by removing all the bottlenecks and hurdles that are inhibiting growth,” he said.
“The first move which does not require money is just being open to welcoming visitors and it starts with the revision of our thinking on facilitating express movement of people once they have entered at least one country in SADC.”
Mzembi said the visa facility will enable easier travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe and will also cover people travelling to Botswana for day trips through the Kazungula border.
The uni-visa will be available to citizens from 40 countries including Japan, New Zealand, UK, Russia, France, Australia, Spain and Germany.
The uni-visa is expected to precede a common visa for southern Africa.
