Smart travel and economic growth: find out how countries are benefiting from strategic policies to attract more visitors
It is true that globalisation and technology have a significant impact on shaping government policies and reforms aimed at boosting economic growth. With the growing connectivity and interdependence of economies around the world, countries are trying to attract more visitors, investment and foreign currency to stimulate their economies. It is important for governments to keep abreast of the latest trends and developments in technology and globalisation in order to make informed decisions that benefit their citizens and promote sustainable growth.
There is no doubt that travel facilitation plays a crucial role in promoting tourism, since it allows people to move across borders, which in turn unlocks economic growth and development opportunities. Sector agreements and initiatives have been implemented to improve this process and further promote the tourism industry.
When countries develop their strategies, it is important that they take their geographical positions into account in order to make the most of their resources. This may involve forming regional agreements such as the SADC, which promote trade and cooperation between neighbouring states, cooperation agreements such as the CPLP and the PALOPs, which encourage collaboration between geographically distant countries, and even establishing strategic geopolitical positions that can facilitate bilateral agreements and diverse economic ties. By using these approaches, countries can create conditions that allow them to take advantage of their unique geographical positions and build strong partnerships with other nations. Ultimately, they may thereby achieve greater success and growth, and create a more prosperous future for their citizens.
It is worth noting that the Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) has been tracking visa openness as a measure of freedom of movement since 2016. Its latest report shows that the number of countries with e-visa facilities rose from 9 to 24 destinations between 2016 and 2022, and these countries are seeing a strong influx of visitors. Although Mozambique ranks 13th on the list, it is essential to stress that 3 of the 16 landlocked states in Africa (Burundi, Mauritania and Rwanda) are among the 20 best-performing countries in 2022. However, it is rather worrying that only half of the SADC member states have signed the African Union Protocol on Free Movement of Persons, and that most island states and members of the Southern African Customs Union have still not signed it.
The future of this initiative looks promising and there are several recommendations to ensure its success. One of the main suggestions is to make visa on arrival the norm, and not the exception, for visitors from across the continent. The implementation of e-visa systems that use a secure and reliable platform with a guaranteed response time is also crucial to streamline visa-issuing processes. The initiative aims to promote regional blocs whose members reciprocally grant visa-free access to one another's territory. Another recommendation is the offer of long-stay visas for regular and recurring travellers. Automating visa-issuing processes, reducing fees, requiring fewer documents and speeding up processing times will make the visa application process less burdensome. Making reliable visa information available online in different languages and accessible formats is vital to ensure that everyone has access to it. Lastly, social media can also be used as a channel to support and inform travellers.
The tourism sector involves complex and constantly changing scenarios that require careful attention to technological advances in order to remain competitive. Investing in modern and secure platforms can help countries stay at the forefront of the sector and maximise the benefits of tourism. By giving priority to good governance and sustainable growth initiatives, they can increase their economic impact and promote inclusive growth. It is therefore essential to see technological investment as a means of improving the tourism sector and not merely of keeping up with the competition. With the right approach, countries can unlock the full potential of tourism and create a prosperous and sustainable future.
The country is taking bold steps to embrace a series of critical reforms that are essential to the success of our growth in all sectors, especially tourism. As we move towards a brighter future, it is vital that we prioritise strengthening the quality of communication, data storage, connectivity, empowerment and training. In doing so, we can ensure that Mozambique continues to provide exceptional experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Mozambique and its people have the unique advantage of being surrounded by some successful landlocked countries. By developing sound, long-term growth strategies, Mozambique can leverage its position and benefit from these economies in the region and beyond. With a vision of sustainable development that takes into account the needs of the country and its people, Mozambique has the potential to achieve great things and become a shining example of success in the region.
