The second Zambia International Travel (ZIT) show has opened in Lusaka today attracting over 120 local and foreign exhibitors.
The three day event is organized by Africast exhibition management with the aim of marketing Zambia to the rest of the world prior to the 2010 world and Africa cup.
Speaking at the official opening, Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources Minster Catherine Namugala reaffirmed government’s commitment to support efforts intended at promoting tourism destinations in the country.
Mrs. Namugala said government alone can not manage to attract and convince many tourists to visit all tourisms sits therefore there is need for other stakeholders to play a leading role in ensuring that tourists continue to come the country.
She assured that government will do everything possible to support all efforts and process pertaining to facilitating more investment in the country.
She pointed out that partners in the private sector like Africast should endeavor at assisting government find lasting solutions to the current global economic crisis.
The Minster who also toured the exhibition stands explained that through providing such a platform like ZIT show that brings operators who are potential investors together, the country is likely to increase its investment capacity to the industry.
Mrs. Namugala also urged exhibitors to use the show and exchange views amongst themselves on how best the current global economic crunch can be addressed so that it does not affect their business.
She further added that marketing is key to the growth of the tourism sector adding that this is way innovative ways such as ZIT should be wide explored.
She said Marketing Zambia as a tourist destination in non traditional products can contribute positively to the economic development of the country.
She also challenged the financial institutions to come on board assist government in developing Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector.
She stressed that SMEs have potential to reduce poverty as they would ensure wider participation of the local people in various tourism enterprises.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Namungala has also urged investors to respect the laws of the country and conduct their business in accordance with the stipulated guidelines.
And earlier Africast exhibition management Managing Director Chimwemwe Nyirenda said despite the economic disturbances world wide there is need for the tourism sector not to relent in marketing their products.
Mr. Nyirenda explained that local and foreign marketing of tourism plays a vital role in developing and attracting more tourists in any country.
He noted that Zambia is a country that is blessed with natural tourism attractions but only lack proper marketing skills of her products to other countries.
He also called upon local exhibitors and other tour operators to use the show as an opportunity to identify more tourists to the businesses.
Mr. Nyirenda further thanked government and other stakeholders for partnering with his organization, adding that this will go along way in encouraging more investment and consequently contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
ZANIS/MM/AM/ENDS
Thats cool in the mean time or in between time, first
Marketing Zambia worldwide will also be effective if we have our own International Airline to fly in tourists. Get detailed advise on this fact. It makes more sense flying the zambian pride worldwide.
#2Jamaco for the first time I agree with you, National airline, easier visa fees, regulated hotel costs and extensive marketing abroad will do the trick. Print out nice booklets/Brochures distrubute them all over the world. K50m given to Esther can buy a few seconds of Add space on American TV or British TV just to say “Zambia the Real Africa”.
Jamaco & Woman of substance, already RB has marketed Zambia in at least 5 countries since he became president. I wonder if this government is able to create a national airline in the middle of the present crisis. They can’t even manage the mines.
This is great development and what i like is ZAfricast , the organisers of the event are young Zambians, . What they need is similar shows is strategic counties abroad. Government can you hear me
” He also called upon local exhibitors and other tour operators to use the show as an opportunity to identify more tourists to the businesses” What does this mean Ba LT, try to write proper english.
What we need is our own Airline, more toursit attractions and also annual events like what they have in Trinidad and Tobago , Brazil and Nigeria, the carnival. This will show case zambian music , food and also other talants like dramer and Commedy.
please pipo wake up and learn from other countries. Also improve the hotels and local attractions like mundawanga etc.
Ba honey so what are you doing about it?. Lets all put in something and improve our country, Start arranging a carnival, am happy to be yout partner. We need to move on from seeing what wrong and criticising, criticising blah blah blah to action like the guy who has arranged this show