“Citizens of more than 30 contries will no longer need visas to travel to Iran from 4 February. Instead, they will be able to simply purchase a ticket to visit the country,” Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli said. These countries include India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Cuba and others. For Russian citizens, visas are waived in case travellers go to Iran in tour groups. Tourism Minister Ezzatollah Zarghami noted that the government intended to open the country to the…

Between January and December 2023, the number of international travellers arriving in South Africa was 8.5 million. This is a 48.9 per cent increase over the same period in 2022. According to South Africa’s national statistics agency (Stats SA), 6.4 million visitors from the African continent alone will visit the country in 2023, representing 75.6 per cent of total arrivals. According to statistics, there has been a marked increase in the number of travellers from Zimbabwe and Kenya. Between January…

The number of industries interested in investing in Rio increased by 33% in 2023. The number of industrial companies interested in opening or expanding their business in the state of Rio de Janeiro increased by 33% last year compared to 2022. According to the Rio de Janeiro State Industrial Development Company (Codin), 123 firms have had their applications for tax incentives approved during this period. “The state of Rio de Janeiro is becoming increasingly attractive for business. It is proved…

Mozambique’s flagship airline carrier, Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique (LAM), is cementing its regional reach with the re-launching of two new routes to the country’s major tourist destinations of Vilankulo (Inhambane province) and Beira (Sofala province). “We are marking this resumption of flights with the strong aim of bringing to Vilankulo people eager to have contact with the wonders of this land”, João Carlos Pó Jorge, LAM’s Director General, said on Sunday after the inaugural flight from Johannesburg (South Africa) to…

COMPETITION for space between humans and wildlife has become a threat to both animals and forests, which are the backbone of the tourism industry, a top conservationist has said. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) Director General Fulton Mangwanya said this problem needed to be urgently addressed. “Today, due to the ever-growing population in Africa and the whole world, we have noted with concern the competition for space between humans and wildlife,” Mangwanya said. “As a result, landscapes are…

THE Durban July Experience is forecast to inject R130 million (US$7,2 million) to the economy of Ethekwini. The event will attract up to 48 000 attendees, amassing R65 million in direct spending and creating 1 500 jobs. eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda disclosed the figures ahead of the event set for this weekend. The mayor reassured visitors of a safe and entertaining Durban July. Kaunda said law enforcement agencies will be deployed to strategic areas. Approximately 100 Metro police officers will…

FROM its early days as a butchery and braai place, to now being a hugely popular venue frequented by all cultures and races from all over the world, Max’s Lifestyle has a fascinating history. It was once a one-room shack near a stream and was built in front of a former taxi rank in the year 2000. Many well-known local celebrities, sportspersons and politicians are to be found unwinding there. Last month, the tourism deputy minister of Namibia, Heather Sibungo,…

THE commencement or increase in flights to Cape Town by some regional and local airlines is poised to boost passenger statistics to the Western Cape Province. Proflight Zambia will commence its direct flight from the capital Lusaka, to the South African coastal Mother City on July 1, with two flights per week. Local operator, Airlink will increase frequencies on its Cape Town – Mbombela (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) route, doubling capacity to 12 flights per week, from August 7. Air…

THE closure of the Rachel Finlayson Pool at the Durban Beachfront has left locals disappointed. They believe there is more to the closure than renovations. The closure of the pool on Thursday coincided with the resumption of theschool holidays. “The closure comes after a member of the public drove into the pool, damaging the fence,” eThekwini Municipality stated. The municipality said the pool would be closed until June 30. The Rachel Finlayson pool was repaired last year in December after…

THE travails faced by Zula Zula Adventure Bus depict the lack of support faced by up-and-coming players in the hospitality sector to establish their industries. It is also a reflection how these small and medium enterprises (SMEs) overcome such challenges, through resilience. Zula Zula derives its name from the Zulu word translating to, “Wander about everywhere.” The company went literally anywhere in search of support, to no avail, which was compounded by its formation during the COVID-19 when the industry…