Regional Initiatives

The Southern Africa Region is currently involved in a number of initiatives in the field of development of tourism;

Community Based Tourism (CBT's) in Southern Africa

Although local communities (small and micro enterprises) are key providers of goods and services to the tourism sector in the region, they do not derive sufficient benefits from the development of tourism.  This can in the main be ascribed to lack of adequate involvement in the mainstream development of tourism.  This disconnect promotes environmentally and socially unsustainable tourism development based on unsound management practices.  Further, preservation/conservation and promotion of the natural, cultural and historical resources of the region becomes a major difficulty under the circumstances.

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCA's)

A Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) in Southern Africa is an area straddling across two or more international borders where the natural and cultural resources are collaboratively managed by the governments/authorities involved.   A Transfrontier Park (TFP) is an area where two or more protected areas are adjoined and collaboratively managed across the international borders.

The Tourist Visa (UNIVISA)

Tourism has the potential to become one of Southern Africa’s largest industries and to alleviate many of the economic problems of the SADC region. To achieve its tourism potential, SADC combines private and public sector efforts to promote the region as a world-class tourism destination. The region’s tourist draw cards include wildlife, a rich variety of wilderness areas and natural wonders of the world, sandy beaches, mountain ranges and a rich historical and cultural heritage which straddle across national borders.

The Sustainable Tourism Network Southern Africa (STNSA)

The STNSA initiative aims to establish an integrated, regional approach to sustainable tourism development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as well as to provide a channel for all SACD countries to exchange experiences and best practices regarding sustainable tourism policy and practice throughout the region. The Network communicates with members via a website, an online forum and a quarterly newsletter. Participation in the Network is open to all parties with an interest in sustainable and responsible tourism development in SADC.