Government has reaffirmed its commitment to growing Zambia’s tourism sector, with a target of reaching between 2.5 million and 3 million international tourist arrivals.
Speaking during the official launch of the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026 in Lusaka today, Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba says the country is already recording significant growth in the sector hence the need to continue actively working towards growing it.
Mr Sikumba disclosed that Zambia recorded 2.2 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, representing a 35.3 percent increase from 2023, while 2025 figures have risen further to 2.3 million arrivals.
He added that domestic tourism has also shown strong performance, with over 530,000 visits recorded in national parks, museums and heritage sites.
Mr Sikumba said government interventions such as improved air connectivity, progressive visa reforms, and licensing policies have enhanced international marketing and increased private sector participation.
He highlighted that tourism remains a key pillar in Zambia’s economic transformation under the Eighth National Development Plan (NDP), noting that the sector has the potential to drive economic diversification, job creation and inclusive growth.
Mr Sikumba emphasised that government is committed to positioning tourism as a major contributor to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and foreign exchange earnings.
He further said government is investing in infrastructure development, including upgrading airports, improving road networks and enhancing access to key tourism destinations.
Mr Sikumba stressed the importance of ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, stating that the sector must create opportunities for all Zambians from small business operators to service providers across the value chain.
He noted that the private sector, particularly small and medium enterprises led by women and youths, remains central to the sector’s growth, with government committed to supporting them through targeted interventions and platforms such as ZATEX.
Mr Sikumba described ZATEX as a critical platform for marketing Zambia, attracting investment and creating business partnerships in the tourism industry.
And South African Airways ( SAA) Country Director, Mildred Chalikulima representing all sponsors for the ZATEX Travel Expo, reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that the Expo is a success.
ZATEX 2026 is expected to bring together key players in the travel, hospitality and Tourism sectors to promote Zambia as a preferred tourism and Investment destination.
