On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on August 13, 2024. These declarations were prompted by the emergence of a new strain (clade Ib) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and its spread to neighbouring countries.

Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa, Chairperson of the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance, stated: “We take these declarations seriously and commend the proactive approach of global and regional health authorities. However, it’s crucial to understand that the risk to travellers in Southern Africa remains low. Our member countries are implementing robust measures to manage and mitigate any potential spread of the virus.”

SADC member states have responded swiftly to the situation:

1. South Africa: The Department of Health has reported 24 cases of Mpox (clade IIb) as of August 2024, primarily affecting people who have had physical contact with an infectious person. The country has implemented enhanced surveillance and contact tracing protocols.
2. Botswana: As of August 16, 2024, Botswana has intensified screening for Mpox at selected ports of entry, including Kazungula, Maun airport, and Gaborone Airport, demonstrating proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
3. Angola: As of August 16, 2024, Angola has not registered any cases of Mpox but has reinforced its contingency plan, particularly focusing on border control with the DRC and Congo.
4. Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi: These countries have not reported Mpox cases but have heightened surveillance and preparedness measures.
5. Democratic Republic of the Congo: While experiencing a significant outbreak, the DRC is working closely with WHO and Africa CDC to implement control measures. It’s important to note that typical tourist destinations in Southern Africa are far from affected areas.

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance further wishes to clarify its position on Mpox and travel to Southern Africa:

1. Low risk for tourists: The risk of Mpox transmission in Southern African countries remains lower than in many traveller source markets. Typical tourist activities do not put travellers at high risk for contracting Mpox.
2. No travel restrictions: As of August 2024, there are no widespread travel restrictions related to Mpox for Southern African countries. Only Canada has issued a level 2 advisory, simply recommending realistic precautions.
3. Safe tourist activities: Safari and wildlife viewing activities are safe. There is no increased risk of Mpox transmission from being in forests or around wildlife.
4. Proactive management: SADC member states have implemented surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment protocols to effectively manage potential Mpox cases.
5. Economic importance of tourism: Tourism is vital for our economies and conservation efforts. We encourage travellers to maintain their plans to visit our region while staying informed about health guidelines.

Advice for travellers

While we emphasise the low risk, we advise travellers to:

1. Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing.
2. Avoid close contact with individuals who appear ill or have visible skin lesions.
3. Stay informed about health guidelines in their specific destination.
4. Seek medical attention if they develop symptoms such as fever or unexplained skin rash.

“We want to reassure our global partners and potential visitors that Southern Africa continues to offer safe, unforgettable experiences,” Tshivengwa added. “Our member countries have taken proactive steps to manage health concerns, ensuring that tourism activities remain low-risk and enjoyable.”

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance remains committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information and ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for all who wish to experience the wonders of Southern Africa.

This policy shift appears to contradict Namibia Airports Company’s recently launched air access strategy, “Air Connect Namibia”, aimed at increasing international flights and connectivity. The implementation of stricter visa requirements could have a detrimental impact on various sectors of Namibia’s economy, including tourism, hospitality, transportation, and retail, all of which rely heavily on international visitors.

Evidence from across Africa, including success stories from Rwanda and Zambia, demonstrates that visa liberalisation significantly boosts tourism, foreign investment, and overall economic growth. A more open visa policy attracts a diverse range of visitors, including business travellers, investors, and tourists, who contribute to the economy through spending, job creation, and tax revenue. The Africa Visa Openness Index 2023 highlights that visa openness is crucial for Africa’s tourism industry, serving as a catalyst for economic growth.

“A restrictive visa regime can negatively impact the entire tourism value chain,” says Natalia Rosa, Project Lead for the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance. “It hinders not only leisure travel but also business travel, conferences, events, education, and trade, thereby limiting overall economic growth and development.”

Several African countries, including those within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are moving towards more liberal visa policies. Namibia risks falling behind its regional peers and losing its competitive edge as a tourist destination if it adopts a more restrictive approach.

“We urge the Namibian government to reconsider these restrictive measures and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to find solutions that balance security concerns with the need for economic growth and regional competitiveness,” adds Rosa. “Aligning visa policies with the air access strategy is essential to maximise the benefits of increased flight options and attract a larger influx of travellers. Namibia could look to successful examples like Rwanda, which has seen significant growth in its MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector due to visa liberalisation and investment in infrastructure.”

One of the first countries to introduce a remote working visa recognising the demand post-COVID, Namibia’s visa regime U-turn is puzzling, particularly as SADC prepares to pilot its Univisa.

Instead of tightening visa restrictions, Namibia could explore alternative solutions such as implementing more efficient visa processing systems (e.g., e-visas), targeted visa waivers for specific groups, or enhanced security measures at borders.

“All barriers to entry for international visitors must be critically examined and addressed to encourage longer stays, increase spending in the economy, and accelerate the recovery of the tourism sector,” Rosa concludes.

The SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance remains committed to supporting Namibia’s tourism industry and advocating for policies that promote sustainable growth and development.

The unveiling of the new tourism destination brand marks a pivotal moment in the region’s journey towards promoting conservation, sustainable tourism, and community empowerment in the respective TFCA components across the five partner countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Spanning an area of approximately 520,000 square kilometres, the KAZA TFCA is the world’s largest terrestrial transfrontier conservation area. The new brand embodies the region’s rich biodiversity, iconic wildlife, vibrant cultures, and the life-giving rivers that connect it all.

“Today marks a defining moment for conservation and sustainable tourism in Africa,” says Dr. Nyambe Nyambe, Executive Director of the KAZA Secretariat. “The ‘Rivers of Life’ brand embodies our unwavering commitment to preserving the extraordinary natural and cultural heritage of the Kavango Zambezi eco-region. It is an invitation to the world to join us on a transformative journey, where the power of unity and collaboration knows no boundaries.”

The new tourism destination brand, developed by The Journey Tourism Consultant and Management, encapsulates a unique value proposition: The Rivers of Life, rich in natural and cultural diversity to share with all who love wildlife without borders.

The visual identity of the new tourism destination brand features a graphic depiction of an elephant, a keystone species whose migratory nature highlights the need for transboundary collaboration among the five KAZA countries.  

Encircling the elephant are dynamic brushstrokes in bold colours – yellow, red, blue, and green – representing the rivers, landscapes, and the vibrant cultures of the KAZA eco-region. Each colour has been carefully chosen to convey a specific aspect of Kavango Zambezi – from the warmth and energy of the African sun and its beautiful sunrises and sunsets to the blue lifeblood of the TFCA, the mighty rivers that sustain wildlife and communities, and the lush green vegetation.

A brand forged through collaboration

The development of the new Kavango Zambezi destination brand has been inclusive and participatory.

The brand launch event was graced by the presence of high-level leadership representatives from all five partner countries, underscoring the strong political commitment to this initiative. Also in attendance were key stakeholders from the tourism industry, conservation organisations, donor agencies, and local community representatives, reflecting the multi-sectoral and collaborative spirit of partnership that birthed the Kavango Zambezi “Rivers of Life” tourism destination brand.

“The journey to this momentous day has been one of extensive consultation, collaboration, and co-creation. Over the past year, we have engaged with a wide spectrum of stakeholders – from government representatives and conservation experts to tourism operators and local community leaders – across all five partner countries. This inclusive approach has ensured that our new brand is a true reflection of the shared values, aspirations, and unique attributes of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area,” explains Dr Nyambe.

The new brand represents a bold vision for the future: To see Kavango Zambezi as a well-known and valued tourism destination actively promoted by the tourism trade and appreciated by local stakeholders who can measurably see the benefits of both conservation and tourism.

To achieve this vision will require the KAZA Secretariat to:

• Follow the five governments’ lead in implementing strategies for ease of access.
• Collaborate with the tourism trade both locally and internationally to:
  • Promote awareness of Kavango|Zambezi.
  • Develop special interest products.
  • Design routes that promote cross-border travel and extend duration of visits.
  • Provide easily accessible information.
• Actively seek to ensure the inclusion of local communities.
• Ensure sustainable conservation, including consumptive use of resources, is appreciated.
• Promote the ideals of eco-tourism.
• Make a conscious contribution to combatting climate change.

“Our new brand is an open invitation to the world to experience the wonders of the Kavango Zambezi landscape,” says Dr. Nyambe. “By visiting Kavango Zambezi, travellers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the African wilderness while contributing directly to conservation efforts and the well-being of the communities who call this landscape home.”

KAZA TFCA: A new chapter begins

In the coming months, the Kavango Zambezi “Rivers of Life ” brand will be rolled out across various platforms, including brand workshops, social media, and marketing materials. The KAZA Secretariat will work closely with partner organisations to integrate the new brand into their communications and marketing efforts, ensuring a coordinated and impactful brand presence.

As the KAZA TFCA embarks on this new chapter, the organisation remains committed to its core values of conservation, cooperation, and community empowerment. With its new brand as a catalyst, KAZA TFCA further enhances its stature as a leading model for sustainable development in Africa, demonstrating that thriving wildlife, resilient communities, and responsible tourism can coexist in harmony.

For more information about the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area and its new destination brand, please visit www.kavangozambezi.org and uncoverkaza.com.

About Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA)

The Kavango Zambezi Trans Frontier Conservation Area is the world’s largest terrestrial trans frontier conservation area, spanning five southern African countries – Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Established in 2011, KAZA TFCA represents an ambitious vision for conservation, sustainable development, and regional integration. The KAZA Secretariat, formed under the KAZA Treaty, plays a vital role in coordinating and facilitating these efforts, working with a wide range of partners to achieve a shared vision for a thriving and resilient KAZA landscape.

Cruise Line Reinforces Commitment to the Region by Expanding Africa Deployment in Winter 2024

JOHANNESBURG (26 JANUARY 2023) – Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, celebrates a new milestone today having successfully concluded its inaugural season sailing from Cape Town.

On Dec. 21, 2022, Norwegian Jade became the first vessel in the line’s 18 ship fleet to homeport from the South African port, offering international and local guests 12-day Extraordinary Journeys along the coast of South Africa and Namibia with an overnight stay in Cape Town and visits to Mossel Bay, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Richard’s Bay, Luderitz and Walvis Bay.

Kevin Bubolz, VP and Managing Director Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “We are excited to offer our South African guests the opportunity to sail with NCL right from their doorstep and enjoy our unique ‘Freestyle Cruising’ philosophy without the need for long-haul travel and lengthy visa applications. We experience a growing demand for our cruises in South Africa. In fact, during her inaugural season in the region, Norwegian Jade welcomed the highest number of South African guests on any NCL cruise to date. After testing us locally, a growing number of guests opt for our long-haul cruises to bucket-list itineraries in Europe, Alaska or Asia.”

Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, comments: “Cruise tourism generates R300 million in economic impact for the Western Cape and supports thousands of jobs in the province. Positioning Cape Town as a homeport for international and local cruising is a key growth opportunity for our region and we welcome NCL’s commitment to sailing out of Cape Town.”

The international cruise line is building on its successful inaugural season in South Africa and has recently announced the deployment of Norwegian Dawn to the region in winter 2024. Homeporting from Cape Town and Port Louis, Mauritius, the 2,340-passenger ship will offer a series of Extraordinary Journey voyages between January and March 2024.

“Mauritius has long been a popular holiday destination for South African travellers and Norwegian Dawn’s new itineraries provide for the perfect opportunity to combine a land-based vacation in Mauritius with a cruise that visits some of the most sought-after destinations in the neighbourhood, including Reunion, Madagascar and Mozambique, all while unpacking only once. The new itineraries prove very popular and are amongst our fastest selling cruises for 2024.”

On Jan. 20, 2024, Norwegian Dawn will sail a 12-day itinerary from Port Louis, Mauritius, calling to Pointe des Galets, Réunion; Fort Dauphin (Toalagnaro), Madagascar; Pomene and Maputo, Mozambique; Richard’s Bay, Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Mossel Bay and Cape Town.

On Feb. 1 and Mar. 8, 2024, she will complete 12-day roundtrip voyages through South Africa and Namibia with calls to Mossel Bay, Durban, Luderitz and Walvis Bay before embarking on her most extensive itinerary on Mar. 20, sailing from Cape Town to Barcelona, Spain. The 21-day voyage along Africa’s west coast will visit ports in Namibia, Angola, Sao Tome and Principe, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, Cape Verde, Canary Islands and Morocco.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning 18-ship fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com.  

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ABOUT NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

As the innovator in global cruise travel, Norwegian Cruise Line has been breaking the boundaries of traditional cruising for 56 years. Most notably, the cruise line revolutionised the industry by offering guests the freedom and flexibility to design their ideal vacation on their preferred schedule with no assigned dining and entertainment times and no formal dress codes. Today, its fleet of 18 contemporary ships sail to nearly 400 of the world’s most desirable destinations, including Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Norwegian Cruise Line not only provides superior guest service from land to sea, but also offers a wide variety of award-winning entertainment and dining options as well as a range of accommodations across the fleet, including solo-traveller staterooms, club balcony suites, spa-suites and The Haven by Norwegian®, the company’s ship-within-a-ship concept. For additional information or to book a cruise, contact a travel professional or visit www.ncl.com. For the latest news and exclusive content, visit the NCL Newsroom and follow Norwegian Cruise Line on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube @NorwegianCruiseLine; and Twitter @CruiseNorwegian.

Media Contact:

Norwegian Cruise Line

press-emea@ncl.com

Locally Issued By:

Kim Taylor

Big Ambitions

kim@bigambitions.co.za