It probable that among the 1,200 visitors due in Kigali for the World Economic Forum for Africa (WEF 2016) this week, many will be surprised that they can hop over to either Kenya or Uganda using the same visa.
The visa goes for only $100 and more convenient than before when one had to tackle each country’s immigration singularly. Now with the one visa, it allows access to the three countries for up to 90 days. The visa can be bought at the point of entry into any of these countries. For those who are interested in visiting one of the East African countries only, the fee will remain at $50 for Uganda and Kenya, and $30 for Rwanda.
This is a great opportunity to tout the merits of the East African Single Visa launched two years ago and currently incorporating Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. Burundi and Tanzania have more than once indicated a strong interest to join the club.
The East African Community (EAC) sees itself moving towards a common agenda and by showing visitors the convenience of the Single Visa, they may just become more intrigued into investing in the region. If not right way, but at least take the time to go out and look about for opportunities. However even if their sole aim is to relax after the Forum, the tourism receipts will be much appreciated.
Hosting international conferences is a very serious business. A host of cities around the world including Las Vegas, Vienna, Geneva, Cape Town, PAris London and many more, fall over their heels in trying to drum up meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
On a domestic point of view, let us not forget that professional societies and trade associations play a vital role in keeping members ahead of the latest developments and this is best done through international meetings.
It is true, frequently citizens will groan at the expenditure involved inproviding the necessary infrastructure. However once the basics are installed, then it is the marketing momentum that will produce the desired results.
MICE tourism plays a partial role in the shaping of national economy branches like transport, communications, trade, financial services, health-, culture-and sport related services.
It can also indirectly affect demand for products and services derived from agriculture, industry, construction and so on.
Participants of MICE tourism are leading representatives of their field of profession be it in business or science. This means MICE tourism also enhances the development of local capacity. And at the end of the day business networks play a significant role in creating positive country image which Africa needs considering all the negative perceptions.
Rwanda is not exploiting MICE by accident. There are definite advantages to this policy.
Business visitors coming to attend an event spend money on accommodation, food, drinks, transportation, and even on shopping.
Organisers spend money on venues, and purchase services from suppliers in the MICE industry. The spending generates sales for businesses and keeps people hired under short term, but usually lucrative contracts.
Tourism numbers and receipts go up for the destination concerned city or region.
Consequently, both government and private sector should never underestimate the need to invest in the upgrading of facilities or the building of additional and new facilities when necessary. It is also vital that governments and industry work more closely with conference centres and hoteliers, and develop a common understanding relating to incentives.
Once the surprise of what the Single Visa offers visitors sinks in, then East Africans can list all the other advantages the region offers. If funding were available the EAC Secretariat could arrange tours to specific regional projects that advertise progress on implementing the Common Market Protocol.
However WEF Africa 2016 is all about Rwanda and the government has made it clear in both words and deeds that it is going to milk the event in the country’s best interests.
Changing negative perceptions is best done by gettng onto your feet and finding out exactly what is happening yonder. KIgali is ready to welcome  them. The Rwanda of 1994 seems like a distant, but still painful memory.
Source: EA Busines Week

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of TradeMark Africa.