Windhoek tourism forum calls for simpler visas and better air links

Saturday 14th November 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

Tourism and aviation representatives meeting in Windhoek on 12 November called for simpler entry requirements and better air links between African countries. The UN Economic Commission for Africa said participants also urged governments to implement the Single African Air Transport Market, an initiative intended to open regional air routes.

The tourism session took place at a four-day Eastern and Southern African regional meeting. The discussion linked the cost and frequency of flights to the number of travellers able to visit more than one destination. Industry representatives also called for better coordination between tourism authorities and the aviation sector.

Kwakye Donkor, chief executive of African Tourism Partners, called for infrastructure investment and greater attention to tourism in national development planning. Charmaine Matheus of the Namibia Tourism Board said African destinations could distinguish themselves through culture, sport and creative industries as well as established attractions.

For a multi-country trip, the measures discussed would affect two separate stages. Visa rules determine whether a passenger can enter a country, while air-service rights determine which carriers can operate routes. The commission’s account said participants wanted progress on both.

The meeting brought together delegates from 25 countries, the commission said. Its report recorded calls for action and did not announce an agreed change to a visa regime, a new airline route or a date for implementation.

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