ZTB EMBARKS ON PROJECT TO REFORM LUSAKA CITY

The Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) has engaged stakeholders in a project to transform Lusaka city into a tourist destination.

Speaking during  the “Greater Lusaka Tourism Circuit Project“ meeting in Lusaka today, ZTB Managing Director Felix Chaila said Lusaka and the country as a whole has a lot to offer in terms of tourism if only the products are enhanced and profiled .

He said the country has a rich heritage adding that the numerous traditional restaurants in the city which can be enhanced by adding traditional dancers as one way of show casing Zambia’s heritage.

Mr. Chaila said when the country’s attractions are more visible, it will be easier to lure both Business and leisure tourists.

He disclosed that according to the 2010 statistics 63% of tourists coming into the country were business tourists.

Mr. Chaila said encouraging domestic tourism was also an important factor in boosting tourism in the country.

He disclosed that  according to a survey the board conducted, many Zambians do not know much about what the country has to offer in terms of tourism and even end up travelling outside the country to enjoy tourism products they can enjoy in Zambia.

And Mr. Chaila said the board plans to maximise the Lusaka 100 years celebrations next year and attract many tourists into the country as the city clocks 100 years.

He emphasised the need to form a tourism information centre where tourists can access information on the destinations they can visit.

He said it is encouraging that government has taken the challenges being faced by the industry seriously and was finding solutions.

Mr. Chaila said the country could realise a lot from the tourism industry such as economic growth and job creation if only the country’s potentials were maximised.

Mr. Chaila disclosed that Zambia has been ranked as the second most friendly and welcoming country in Africa after Mauritius and 12th in the world which made it perfect for tourism.

And the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has disclosed that a new national park will soon be opened in Lusaka.

ZAWA Commercial Manager Rose Chivumba said the park which will be located in Lusaka’s South East MFEZ will not house dangerous animals like Lions.

ZANIS