The tourism sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), more specifically in North Kivu, faces many challenges. To stimulate tourism in the region, players in the sector are asking the authorities to ease the conditions for granting entry visas to the DRC for tourists.
During International Tourism Day, celebrated on September 27, these stakeholders expressed their concern about competition from East African countries in the tourism sector. They believe that easing visa procedures would facilitate the entry of foreign tourists into the DRC and help the country stand out on the tourism scene.
According to Tuver Wundi, one of the players in the tourism sector in Goma, once security is guaranteed, it would be wise to simplify obtaining international visas to facilitate the arrival of tourists in the DRC. He points out that many tourists have already missed the opportunity to visit the country due to difficulties in obtaining visas. To compete with East African countries, it is essential that the DRC simplifies this administrative process.
In addition, stakeholders in the tourism sector are calling for a review of the moratorium which prohibits humanitarian workers from entering through the country’s eastern borders. According to them, this measure hinders the flow of transporters responsible for bringing humanitarian workers arriving through airports in eastern DRC. They therefore ask that this moratorium be revised in order to allow the tourism sector to fully benefit from the tourism assets of the DRC.
It is important to note that for three years, the eastern region of the DRC has experienced a significant drop in tourist flows due to insecurity which has made certain tourist sites inaccessible. To revive this industry, it is crucial to take concrete measures, such as easing visa requirements and revising the moratorium, to attract tourists again and promote the DRC’s tourism potential.
In conclusion, stakeholders in the tourism sector in North Kivu call on the Congolese authorities to make it easier for foreign tourists to obtain entry visas into the DRC. They emphasize that this measure would allow the DRC to face competition from East African countries in the tourism sector. They also demand a review of the moratorium which limits the entry of humanitarian workers through the eastern borders of the country. These initiatives are essential to revive the tourism industry in the region and highlight the tourism riches of the DRC.