Minister Calls for Further Investment in Tourism

Rodney Sikumba, the Minister for Tourism, has called for increased investment to spur the sector. His statement comes amidst a number of steps by the New Dawn administration to boost tourism in Zambia.

Mr Rodney, speaking at the Western Province Tourism, Trade and Investment Expo, described the government as “extending an olive branch to would-be investors” because “there are a number of places which need investment in the sector.”

The ministry would is aiming to generate more activity in the South-west tourism corridor by encouraging visitors to the famous Victoria Falls to stay in the country for longer. To this end, a bridge is set to be built across the Luanginga river to link Kalabo and Liuwa. Increasing accessibility in Zambia is perceived as crucial to boosting tourism across the country.

The New Dawn administration is also in the process of securing a $100 million USD loan from the World Bank in order to help fund infrastructure projects such as Kasaba Bay and Liuwa National Park. It is hoped that this loan will not only boost tourism but also catalyse local economic growth through its related employment opportunities.

In the recently published budget for 2023, it was announced that visa charges have been dropped for tourists from more than 35 countries. Visa fees have been removed for visitors from the EU, United Kingdom, United States, and China amongst others.

Image via Twitter @SikumbaRodney