Zimbabwe seeks to attract Russian tourists amid visa-free travel talks
- Southern AfricaZimbabwe
- September 26, 2024
Russia and Zimbabwe are looking to bolster their relationship by allowing easy access for citizens of both countries into each other’s borders. Currently it costs about $30 dollars to gain entry into the Southern African country. However, should an agreement be reached Russians would freely be able to access the country.
- Russia and Zimbabwe are working on allowing visa-free travel for their citizens.
- The agreement might be signed between November 5 and 7 in Moscow.
- Zimbabwe aims to draw Russian tourists through its established tourism infrastructure, especially in Victoria Falls.
Russian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Nikolay Krasilnikov recently revealed that visa-free travel between Zimbabwe and Russia could be in the works.
The envoy noted that a visa-free travel agreement between Russia and Zimbabwe aimed at boosting passenger traffic between the two countries is being looked into.
This agreement might be signed between November 5 and 7, in Moscow, during the fifth meeting of the bilateral Intergovernmental Commission, as reported by Sputnik.
At the moment, a single entry visa to Zimbabwe may be purchased at the border for $30.
While passenger traffic between Russia and Zimbabwe remains minimal due to restricted airline options and expensive ticket rates, Zimbabwe has stated an interest in drawing Russian tourists through its established tourism infrastructure, notably in Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe’s tourism industry has traditionally relied mainly on visitors from the United States, Europe, Australia, and a few African nations, like South Africa.
In an effort to revitalize the business, President Mnangagwa unveiled the Tourism Growth and Recovery Strategy in 2020, with the lofty goal of establishing a US$5 billion industry the following year.
In July, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority received a group from Russia, led by Ms. Daria Falovskaya, a market specialist with Integrity Promotion Group.
Ms. Falovskaya emphasized the Russian market’s untapped potential in the tourist industry at the discussion, adding that, while the number of outbound journeys from Russia is increasing, only a tiny fraction of Russians have been overseas.
