The Government To Launch Domestic Tourism Strategy

The government has made plans to launch the Domestic Tourism Strategy and an Investor’s Guide at the end of this year.

Speaking during the official opening of the Zambia Tourism Expo at Bonanza Resort in Chongwe on Friday evening, Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, said the two documents will give investors key information on the industry and how to invest their money, as well as set out a clear strategy on domestic tourism.

Mr Sikumba has since called on stakeholders to take advantage of the window provided for to make submissions on the two documents.

“By next year we should be all good to go, working hand in hand, growing our domestic tourism market and attracting the best investment deals for the country,” Mr Sikumba said.

The Minister of Tourism also said government will help by eliminating some aspects of the expenses of business in the tourism sector. He said that all the challenges pertaining to high cost of business in the sector will no longer exist.

Simbuka also disclosed that the ministry will undertake a comprehensive review of policy, regulatory and the legislative environment which tends to produce multiplicity fees, licenses and the general red tape associated with government. His aim is to make the industry more streamline and efficient, which he hopes will stimulate outside investment and growth within the industry.

“We want quick and quality service delivery but at the right price. This can only be achieved through unit of purpose and effective collaboration with the private sector and the Tourism Council of Zambia, in particular,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley disclosed that the UK government has released 100 million pound fund meant for biodiversity landscaping in six countries, Zambia will be one of the benefactors.

“This announcement forms part of the UK government’s ambitious commitments ahead of the COP26 Climate Change Summit and builds on successes achieved at the UK chaired G7 which saw G7 leaders commit to protect and conserve 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean by 2030,” Mr Woolsey said.