Now Government Supports Zambia Safari

The government of Zambia recently held a meeting with all stakeholders in tourism to audit the 'Visit Zambia 2005' campaign. They agreed on the need for strong private/public sector partnership in Zambian tourism promotion.

Present were Zambia National Tourist Board (ZNTB), Zambia Police, Immigration Depart, Zambian Airways, Zambia State Insurance Corporation (ZSIC), among others. ZSIC who sponsored the consultation launched the their Tour Pack a credible insurance cover for travellers and operators alike.

Patrick Kalifungwa, Zambian minister of tourism, environment and natural resources said that in order to encourage further investment in the tourism sector the government has put in place the following measures:

• Visa waivers,
  
• Tax zero rating on accommodation facilities in Livingstone,
  
• Zoning of areas for potential tourism investment,
  
• Pursuing more focused marketing activities,
  
• and formulating the hospitality bill to improve the tourism sector.

ZNTB managing director Charity Lumpa said the visit 'Zambia 2005' campaign has recorded remarkable and increased publicity in source markets. The FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa offers the best opportunity for Zambian tourism to market its safaris.

Zambian Airways managing director McDonald believes Zambian should be proud of having the Victoria Falls, which has put the country on the world map of tourism. Zambia is not a stereotype, neither is it America nor Europe. It is its country’s unique pristine wilderness, the wildlife, the landscape, and the whole natural state that must be marketed. He said Zambia had the most polite immigration officers compared to most western countries.

Zambia Police Service director for community service Susan Malundu said the service has created a tourism police to protect tourists and their property and to provide information on crime awareness in the country.