Zambia Sets Target to Double Tourist Arrivals to Five Million
Zambia has outlined an ambitious plan to double its annual tourist arrivals from 2.5 million to five million, positioning tourism as a key pillar of the government's Grow Zambia Agenda - an economic development strategy focused on growth, job creation and economic diversification. The United Party for National Development-led New Dawn Government is targeting a transformation of the sector into a multibillion-dollar industry, with plans to intensify destination marketing, improve tourism infrastructure and strengthen international air connectivity, including positioning Zambia as a regional aviation hub.
Thabo Kawana, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information and Media, outlined further measures including streamlining licensing to attract local and international investment, expanding bed capacity and increasing community participation in tourism. The government also pledged to support sustainable management of national parks, game management areas and wildlife resources, while addressing human-wildlife conflict. Victoria Falls remains Zambia's flagship tourism drawcard, and the broader push forms part of the country's wider effort to reduce its economic dependence on copper production.
Source: CAJ News