CORONAVIRUS IMPACTS ON TOURISM INFLOW

ZAMBIA's tourism industry will not be spared from the effects of coronavirus, the Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) has warned.

According to the association, some employees working for some lodges and guest houses had been sent on leave due to loss of business caused by the outbreak of the coronavirus.

Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) chairperson Rodney Sikumba who confirmed the development, warned that the situation would have a negative impact on the country’s tourism.

Mr Sikumba said that there was need for concerted efforts among stakeholders to find alternative markets for tourism.

He said most of the countries which had been affected by the virus were a source for Zambia’s tourism.

He said the outbreak of coronavirus was a huge threat to the sustainability and growth of the tourism sector.

“I can confirm that as at (Monday), as an association we have received reports of cancellations in bookings. Most of our big hotels have already confirmed that in the last week, they have confirmed cancellations of close to 390 bed nights which is a lot of money,” Mr Sikumba said.

Mr Sikumba said tourism stakeholders must now start thinking of growing domestic tourism in order to tap revenue from the local market.

“The virus has given us an opportunity to see how best we can look at business inhouse, rather than having to go out to capture the foreign market,” he said.

I can confirm that as at yesterday (Monday), as an association we have received reports of cancellations in bookings. Most of our big hotels have already confirmed that in the last week, they have confirmed cancellations of close to 390 bed nights which is a lot of money.