Zambia has unveiled plans to double its tourism industry by increasing annual visitor arrivals from approximately 2.5 million to five million, as the government seeks to create jobs, attract investment and reduce the country’s reliance on copper production.
According to Caj News, the United Party for National Development-led New Dawn Government is implementing an ambitious programme to transform tourism into a multibillion-dollar industry by doubling annual tourist arrivals from the current 2,5 million.
“We will intensify and increase the branding and marketing of Zambia as a destination of choice,” Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, said. He said that, in partnership with the private sector, President Hakainde Hichilema’s government would facilitate improvements to tourism infrastructure and international air connectivity, while positioning Zambia as a regional aviation hub.
“Further, the government will continue to support community participation in tourism, including the conservation and sustainable management of our national parks, game management areas, forests and wildlife resources.” The administration pledged to strengthen partnerships with local communities, particularly to increase bed capacity and ensure that they became key participants in and direct beneficiaries of the tourism sector.
“Working with the private sector, we are drastically streamlining licensing so that the tourism industry continues to facilitate increased local and international investment. We will also enhance measures to address human-wildlife conflict and safeguard the environment, lives, livelihoods and property of the Zambian people,” Kawana said. Victoria Falls, on the border with Zimbabwe to the south, is Zambia’s prime destination. Zambia is diversifying its economy away from an over-reliance on copper production.
