The Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) has welcomed the decision by President Edgar Lungu to reopen selected sectors of the economy in Zambia, particularly in the hospitality industry.
LTA Chairperson Rodney Sikumba has told ZNBC News in a telephone interview that opportunities that stimulate economic growth are welcome because they benefit the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sikumba has proposed that viewing points at the Victoria Falls should reopen to the public to attract domestic tourists, a move he says will benefit lodges and hotels in the Tourist Capital.
He said many people are bored at home in Livingstone and other parts of Zambia and that they want to visit the Victoria Falls and book rooms in hotels and lodges which in turn will have a ripple effect on other tourism activities.
Mr. Sikumba revealed that members of the LTA have resolved to reduce rates for accommodation and tourism activities by about forty percent to encourage domestic tourism.
He said the move is meant to help the tourism sector in Livingstone to recover and that the reduced prices will be maintained beyond COVID-19 to ensure that locals also participate and enjoy what the Tourist Capital has to offer.
Excellent speech by the president. Steering the nation in the right direction.showing strong direction and leadership. I am very exhausted preparing for this day. We have worked so hard all week with sleepless nights analysing so much data and advice from various specialists. Now time for me to unwind and take a sip of some red wine while listening to my favourite music. Kz
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Meanwhile, Mr. Sikumba has proposed that viewing points at the Victoria Falls should reopen to the public to attract domestic tourists, a move he says will benefit lodges and hotels in the Tourist Capital.
DOES VIC FALLS FALL UNDER BARS OR RESTAURANTS AND GYMS, AND WHO CLOSED IT? WAS IT A PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE OR THE MANAGEMENT AT THE FALLS JUST THOUGHT IT WISE TO DO THAT.
ZAMBIANS STAY AWAY FROM BARS, GYMS, CASINOS. THIS IS EACH TO HIS OWN UNTIL VACCINES FOUND.
If Zambia cannot demonstrate they have taken firm actions to monitor and control Covid19 infections, tourists won’t come from abroad. But it is good for Zambians to visit Vic Talks as long as they social distance. Restaurant and Bars are a no no until vaccines found.
Zambians from a health point of view…its best you stay away from these places especially with figures rising…these clowns are playing with your lives!!
Misleading headline. Hospitality industry was never closed. Operators voluntarily closed because there was no business. There was no business because there are no visitors because airports are closed, restaurants are closed, bars are closed, social distancing is in force, places are on lock-down, they closed Victoria falls at its peak period, etc.