Increase In Tourist Numbers Likely - ZTA

Reflecting on recent figures, the Zambian Tourism Agency (ZTA), are optimistic that the number of tourists visiting the country will increase throughout the year.

The tourism sector was heavily hit last year, with some hotels in tourist hotspots seeing a 70% decline in the number of visitors. This was blamed on grounding of the aviation sector.

Following this, ZTA Chief Executive Officer, Doris Kofi, says that indications so far look positive and promising for the upcoming year. 

“Last year we closed the year, ranging between 70 to 75 percent [decrease in tourism numbers]. We were reviewing out first quarter 2021 tourist arrivals, the decline is in the range of up to 29 percent,” she said.

Prior to entering the country, tourists must now show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, which may reduce the number of individuals who choose to holiday within the country, given the cost associated with such testing. In England, the test can cost the equivalent of over 5700 Kwacha, almost 2000 Kwacha in Zanzibar and over 5000 Kwacha in Egypt.

2020 brought in a mere 400,000 international tourists, compared to the usual 1.2million arrivals which came into the country on tourist visas before the pandemic.  

Photo: Absolute Zambia Safaris