NORTHERN Province Permanent Secretary, Bernard Mpundu has stated that the construction and commissioning of Kasama Airport was one of the major successes that the province recorded in 2023.
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Speaking, as he gave an end of year review for the province, Mr Mpundu said he is hopeful that the expected launch of flights to the province during the course of this year will help boost tourism in the region.
Mr Mpundu added that the development will help to cut travel time and increase the number of people visiting the region.
He disclosed that Proflight has indicated its willingness to start flying to the province in March and will be flying twice a week to Kasama.
Mr Mpundu noted that it only took about a year for the current government to complete works on the runway at Kasama Airport, whose construction had commenced some 14 years ago.
“We all know that the works on the airport commenced some 14 to15 years ago, and the government was unable to complete the works. But when the current President came to officiate at the Ukusefya traditional ceremony in 2022, the Mwine-Lubemba engaged the president, who then ensured that the works are completed,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted many other developments that the province recorded in various sectors, such as health, education and infrastructure development, among others.
Northern Region Acting Tourism Coordinator, Kambole Sikate said the commissioning of the Kasama airport unlocks the potential to grow the tourism sector in the region.
Mr Sikate said the sector is hopeful that the coming of commercial flights will also promote an increase in the number of tourists arriving in the region, both international and domestic.
“To reach the tourism destinations in the province, the department of tourism is working in conjunction with the Zambia Tourism Agency to market the tourism products in the circuit. The department is anticipating that more commercial airlines will come on board to ease connectivity,” he said.
And Mr Sikate revealed that the region recorded a slight improvement in the number of tourists coming to visit the various centers in 2023.
He attributed the development to the recovery from COVID – 19, stating that the previous years had recorded a reduction due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Hotels and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) in Northern Province noted that the hospitality industry has had many challenges in 2023, which contributed to slow business.
HCAZ Provincial Chairperson, Jairos Simunyola said the hospitality industry is hopeful that Kasama Airport operations will unlock activities in the province, especially with tourist arrivals. – ZANIS.
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