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Attractions & Game Reserves |
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Endowed with one of the continent’s last unspoiled wilderness environments, Zambia’s potential as a unique and authentically African tourist destination has few parallels.
The tourism sector is one of the largest foreign exchange earners in Zambia, and has been identified as a major source of growth in the medium term. A stable political backdrop, mild climate, fascinating and varied natural resources, adventure tourism prospects and opportunities to explore cultural and heritage sites, are but some of the factors bringing increasing numbers of tourists to the country.
Strategically located in southern and central Africa, Zambia is consistently named one of Africa’s top tourist destinations, and remarkable growth has been seen in the tourism industry over the last several years. This has been backed up by investments in tourism facilities, such as hotels, lodges and safari operations, road rehabilitation projects, the upgrading of the country’s four international airports to international standards, expanded flight schedules and intensified marketing initiatives.
A RICH TOURISM RESOURCE
The country’s 19 national parks and 23 game management areas are home to a spectacular variety of wildlife and flora, with scenic attractions including part of Africa’s Great Rift Valley as well as an abundance of lakes and rivers, and the world-renowned Victoria Falls.
Tourist numbers jumped 26 percent during 2005 as many European and American visitors opted for Zambia’s side of the famed Victoria Falls in light of political and economic turmoil in neighbouring Zimbabwe. An influx of visitors has also been facilitated through sustained increases in scheduled flights by existing airlines, with additional flights made possible by new operators.
Reflecting the continued benefits of the ‘Visit Zambia’ campaign, improved infrastructure (airports in particular) and tourism incentives, the performance of the tourism sector during 2007 continued on a positive trajectory, with tourist numbers during the year estimated to have increased by 6.4 percent to 805 059. This resulted in an increase in room and bed occupancy, number of beds and employment levels, with direct employees in the sector estimated at around 22 000. In turn, the sector’s earnings increased to an estimated US $188 million from US $177 million in 2006. The Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Natural Resources aims to attract one million visitors annually by 2010.
During 2008, government aims to continue with infrastructure development so as to improve the accessibility of tourist destinations. Furthermore, resources are being made available to enhance the sustainability and conservation of Zambia’s wildlife and its ecosystems. Of particular importance is the recapitalisation
of the Zambia Wildlife Authority, which is due to begin in 2008.
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Tourism