Sat, 20 May 2017 10:56:53 +0000
By MUKOSELA KASALAWE
ZAMBIA’s partnership with ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, will increase tourist flows and earnings which will create jobs and immense socio-economic benefits for the general citizenry, says Ministry of Tourism and Arts permanent secretary Liya Mutale.
Dr. Mutale said her ministry signed a non-legally binding agreement to express interest in the proposal to be convention and culture partner with ITB Berlin which is the world’s leading travel trade show to collaborate in promoting ‘‘Destination Zambia’’ to the global travel and tourism audience.
She said Zambia stands to benefit from this partnership in terms of increased tourist flows and earnings, saying it was a catalyst for job creation and other socio-economic benefits for the country.
The permanent secretary is leading the Zambian delegation at the on-going Pan African Tourism Marketing event, an Indaba in Durban, South Africa, which commenced this Tuesday.
In a statement issued yesterday, ministry public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe said an official contract was set to be signed before June 1, 2017, where Zambia would be the first and only country in the SADC region to enter into such a type of collaboration with ITB Berlin.
“It is visualized that Zambia stands to benefit from this partnership in terms of increased tourist flows and receipts, which could ultimately spur job creation and other socio-economic benefits for the citizenry,” she said.
Dr. Mutale said 21 countries would participate at this year’s event and that Zambia would be represented by 21 exhibitors from both the public and private sector, including the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Hostels Board of Management, Zambia Tourism Agency, Zambia National Airports Corporation and Bush Tracks Africa.
Others are Chaminuka Lodge, Croc Valley Camp, Flatdogs Camp, Zambelozi Lodge, Mukuni Big 5 Safaris, Kafunta Safaris, Kaingu Safari Lodge, Lion Camp, Jackaberry Safaris, Orion Car Rental and Travel Solutions, Southern Sun Hotel, Safari Par Excellence, Proflight Zambia, Sigo Adverntures, Wildlife Camps, Winning Travel and Tours and Memorable Journeys.
And South African President Jacob Zuma, who graced the event, has called on participating African states to do their best to showcase ‘‘beautiful Africa’’ to the world.
President Zuma said tourism was the most promising sector, with significant abilities and resilience for job creation and socio-economic transformation of the lives of Africa’s citizenry.
He informed the delegates that the Indaba has been running successfully for the past 35 years.
