Staff Reporter
...As relations continue to thaw between the two countries
Britain is set to announce the removal of Zimbabwe and other southern African countries from its “red list” of destinations in a show of improving relations between the two countries.
The “red list” placement means people in the UK are banned from travelling to the listed countries in southern Africa. It also means anyone traveling from Britain to the region faces mandatory 10-day quarantine when returning home, even if they are fully vaccinated and test negative for coronavirus.
Welcoming the gesture, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority head of corporate affairs Godfrey Koti said, “This is most welcome news. UK tourists are the second largest contributors to our tourism earnings, behind the United States. We look forward to welcoming them.”
Meanwhile, there has been an improvement of relations between Harare and London since Britain pulled out of the European Union (EU) in what was termed the Brexit.
Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa met up with the UK Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Melaine Robinson where they discussed his imminent visit to the United Kingdom following an invitation to attend a Conference of Parties climate Change (COP26) with other world leaders next month.
Robinson indicated that the issue of relations between Zimbabwe and her country formed part of her discussions with President Mnangagwa.
“We talked about UK relationship with Zimbabwe and how much we are looking forward to the President’s visit, said Robinson.”
Furthermore, preparations are underway for President Mnangagwa to meet with Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on the side-lines of COP26, in what has been described as a milestone as there has not been a Zimbabwean leader who has travelled to the UK or the EU countries in years after the West imposed travel restrictions against senior government officials.
Meanwhile, the removal of Zimbabwe from the red list is going to boost airlines and travel companies that have been brought to their knees during the pandemic. The policy will also allow fully vaccinated British tourists and Zimbabweans living in the United Kingdom to travel home without the financial penalty of hotel quarantine.
Leaders from 126 countries who will be meeting in Glasgow City of Scotland are expected to talk about measures that can be put in place to limit climate change.
