Zambia is committed to address bottlenecks affecting the tourism sector

Government has reiterated its commitment to addressing key obstacles impeding the growth and development of the tourism sector in Zambia.

Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, says the government is dedicated to supporting public private stakeholders in the sector.

Mr Sikumba was speaking during the post budget analysis meeting with public private stakeholders in the tourism sector.

Mr Sikumba emphasised the need for private sector players to improve infrastructure development and attract more tourists in the country.

“This call to action underscores the government’s recognition of the critical role the private sector plays in driving the tourism industry’s growth” he said.

Mr Sikumba also urged private sector stakeholders to invest in improving infrastructure and enhance the overall tourist experience.

Speaking at the same event, Hotel and Catering Association of Zambia (HCAZ) President, Christopher Nsenje called for improvements in the energy sector, citing its negative impact on their growth.

“The lack of a stable energy supply can significantly hinder the growth and development of tourism businesses, leading to increased costs and reduced competitiveness,” he added.

Mr Nsenje added that the cost of energy is a significant component of operational costs for many tourism businesses, adding that high energy costs can erode profit margins and make it difficult to sustain operations.

Meanwhile, Mwamfushi Safari Lodges Proprietor, Musonda Katebe, highlighted some of the challenges facing the industry, including the difficulties in accessing funds from commercial banks.

“Commercial banks are hesitant to lend to the tourism sector due to its perceived high-risk nature,” he said.

Mr Katebe indicated that lack of access to financing is significantly hindering the growth and development of tourism businesses, limiting their ability to invest in new projects, upgrade facilities, and expand their operations.

Tourism Council of Zambia Chairperson, Glyden Mungaila, explained that the dialogue is aimed at identifying and addressing sectoral bottlenecks, promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors.

This Public-Private Dialogue is part of a broader effort to revitalise the tourism sector, which has faced various challenges.