Parliament heard yesterday that the proposed 2019 National Budget will focus on promoting diversification of tourism products and domestic tourism.
Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe disclosed this when She presented the 2019 national budget to parliament yesterday afternoon.
The budget speech was presented under the theme “Delivering fiscal consolidation for sustainable and inclusive growth”
Mrs. Mwanakawe said the diversification efforts being undertaken by government are designed at enhancing integration of the country’s rich cultural heritage into tourism packages beyond traditional ceremonies.
She explained that the promotion of traditional tourism products is aimed at increasing the number of days foreign tourists can stay in Zambia from the current four to six days.
Finance Minister says government is working on a strategy that seeks to promote domestic tourism by lowering charges so as to encourage citizens to participate in tourism activities.
On wildlife restocking, Mrs Mwanakatwe said government will continue with the restocking of wildlife in areas where numbers have been depleted.
She cited Sioma Ngwezi National Park, Bangweulu Game Management Area and seven private game ranches as some of the areas government has already done restocking.
The Finance Minister pointed out that the restocking exercises is aimed at expanding the tourism resource base from focusing exclusively on the Victoria Falls and the South Luangwa National Park.
Meanwhile, Parliament heard today that government will rehabilitate, maintain and improve roads leading to wildlife tourist’s sites.
Mrs. Mwanakatwe named Kafue, South Luangwa, Mosi-oa-tunya and Lower Zambezi National Parks as roads earmarked for rehabilitation.
She stated that improved road network is key in promoting all-year-round tourism to various sites.
On promoting international tourism conference, Mrs. Mwanakatwe said government will in 2019 commence the upgrade and expansion of Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
She noted that this will enable the country to host the African Union (AU) Heads of State Summit scheduled for 2022 and contribute towards implementation of the Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibition strategy.
“On wildlife restocking, Mrs Mwanakatwe said government will continue with the restocking of wildlife in areas where numbers have been depleted.”
How can you just restock without dealing with the reason why they were depleted in the first place??
Let’s develop this thing! It is UNELECTABLE! It is a leader of TRIBALISM in Zambia!
Tourism SHOULD be increased through kunyengesa nyengesa
Only the citizens of a country can bring the desired development to the tourism industry by committment in business enterprises but also a professional exhibition of their lifestyle, culture and arts.
GET RID OF THAT UNEDUCATED MINISTER OF TOURISM!!!