Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela has appealed for calm among players in the tourism sector amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Chitotela said government was drawing a post Covid-19 stimulus package the tourism sector hence its players should be calm.
He said President Edgar Lungu has director the Ministry of Tourism to prepare a resuscitation to the tourism sector once the novel coronavirus is contained because of his concern with the severe effects of the pandemic across various sectors of the economy.
According to a press statement released to ZANIS by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer, Sakabilo Kalembwe, Mr. Chitolela said he was aware that businesses such as the hospitality industry were shutting down hotel or lodge facilities while others were intending to lay off workers in view of the current slump in the sector, which is almost grinding to a halt.
The Minister added that his ministry was preparing a recovery proposal which will be submitted to the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
He said the recovery roadmap will have a stimulus package that the UN agency and local treasury will support so as to mitigate the impact COVID19.
He was speaking during his visit to Luapula Province.
He however said the pronouncement of a revival package for the tourism industry can only be made after a thorough assessment of the impact to the sector and not now because it would be premature to do so.
Hohohohoho… no one is interested in Chitotela.
You see how life is… it’s time for Lusambo to sabotage Zambia.
How can such a thief represent tourism ministry?
Chitotela, I know you are Tourism Ministers but should tourism be a priority right now? Let us think about things that directly benefit Zambians. After Corona Zambia should start organizing itself in a manner that makes her self sufficient. Think agriculture, producing your own goods. Corona has taught us how dangerous it is for Zambia to continue to depend on foreign driven industries. I would not be surprise to wake up one morning with all South African companies closed and all the Chinese gone in Zambia.
Chitozi..not sporting the infamous black ring anymore…gone yellow, it could be pure gold
Excellent government response. Once the stimulus package is rolled out we expect less of a negative impact on the sector as things return to normalcy. Thank you for your hard work ba minister
This PF government ‘s lack of planning for such events is dangerous. I know Zambia is a poor country and cannot afford to subsidize the workforce like we are seeing in developed and Middle income countries. You should be assuring the investors about possible tax relief caused by this pandemic. This will be a doggy dog country very soon. You shall see an uprising never seen in the history of Zambia. This is a tumebomnb warning for Lungu and his team.
@ Madilu system, wishf0ol thinking. The only uprising we will see is when chief Mukuni gathers enough courage to get back on bungee Jumping.
You have no money for government salaries ….. yet money is there for a tourism stimulus package. Its hard to understand baboon thinking.
“Minister of Tourism and Arts Ronald Chitotela has appealed for calm among players in the tourism sector amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr. Chitotela said government was drawing a post Covid-19 stimulus package the tourism sector hence its players should be calm.”-LT
The Minister added that his ministry was preparing a recovery proposal which will be submitted to the United Nations Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).-LT. What!!
Current PF administration corner now they don’t use the word sovereignty.
Lusaka stock exchange stagnant, Since current PF administration.
Why PF statements sounds like seat warm?
“He said the recovery roadmap will have a stimulus package that the UN agency and local treasury will support so as to mitigate the impact COVID19.”
A govt of lazy people who only know how to beg and eat for today…when we told you borrowing at an unsustainable rate wasn’t healthy as if that was not enough you depleted all the reserves.
Chitotela, just bring back our black lechwes, wild dogs, elephants and Rhinos.
Also ban big cat hunting in Zambia, just like any other civilised country has done in the world.
Can you do that please?
If you keep stealing our wildlife, there will be nothing left, and your stimulus package will be window dressing.
IndigoTyrol – they keep selling to Boer Range owners in RSA forgetting that they losing out as those Boers wont be sending tourists here…he is not even shamed to ask for hand outs.
Times are tough and instead of a Minister seeking help for the tourism players all he does is appeal for calm. Just wait another Minister will ask that we pray and look to God for guidance.
KAIZER ZULU; why dont you convince President Lungu to make you your running mate? you are such a humble and wise man and can make a good leader.
@Indigo Tyrol, Chitotela bought gold rings from wild life sale deals – seen his rings displayed – successful PF ministers – Rogues, rascals
Where is Mushota kanshi
I was surprised to find traffic lights by Kabwata Police. As though this was not enough, to my right side stands a shopping Mall at was the entrance of Kabwata Clinic, stretching into Kabwata Market. What happened two the law in this country? Who approved that construction of mall? what have you done to the poor marketeers who were selling in this market? Cry my beloved country
Ba easterners can not be a good combination for presidential polls.They are scared of white skinned people……that’s why most Indians settle in Chipata….and employ the like of Banda,Zulu,mwanza etc.Ni va tulo maningi and backwards mentality.
Tired of the clones and imposters. Time to separate myself from these hopeless felons. From now on only respond to my official account which has a picture of me and my other half callum
@ patriotic, I do not have intentions to run for the highest office of the land.
I have now decided to add a pic of me and my other half to my account so people know to differentiate between me and any future clones. Please respond to my clones at your own risk.
@IndigoTyrol thank you for pointing out this.
“Despite being one of Africa’s most endangered carnivores, wild dogs in and around the South Luangwa National Park have enjoyed several years of increasing numbers, and there are now estimated to be approximately 350 adults and yearlings living in the Luangwa Valley.”
You are making those comments from the comfort of your offices or living rooms without understanding what is obtaining on the ground. Most hotels, lodges, guest houses, bars, restsurant etc have been stiffend to an extent that they are as good as closed. How do you expect a business to continue when they have zero income and they still have to buy electricity which is unreasonably too high, pay 4 water bills, etc and at the same time pay salaries. Hon. Chitotela has not been proactive to assist the hospitality industry to survive. At this stage, I expect the minister to be announcing measures like reduced taxes, incentives ( i know one will talk about the K10bm, but how many local business will benefit knowing the conditions banks have to access loans) like what other countries are doing…