Sustainable tourism way to go – Minister

GOVERNMENT is promoting sustainable tourism because the effects of climate change have not spared the tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Ronald Chitotela has said.

Mr Chitotela said climate change also affected the tourism sector, therefore, there was need for people to be proactive in growing this important sector.

Mr Chitotela emphasised that tourism had been identified as a second economic earner for the country and that there was need to promote domestic tourism because the country had potential.

He said cited the Lumanga Water falls as one of the biggest waterfalls and tourist attractions in Northern Province. He said his ministry was planning to host Africa Art and Culture next year that would bring African artists to Zambia.

He said this would also help in growing arts and culture which he believed had potential to create jobs for the people.

"This government of President Edgar Lungu is determined to transform the country. This is why we are promoting sustainable tourism in the country and I am hoping that Cabinet will allow the ministry to host this important event," said Mr Chitotela.

And on the perceived missing black Lechwe, Mr Chitotela said, there was no black Lechwe missing in the Bangweulu Wetland, but that the animals were translocated to another park.

He said, Bangweulu Wetland was co-managed by the Zambian Government and the African parks, adding that the president of African Parks was Prince Harry.

He said Bangweulu Wetland had since received 195 buffaloes from North Luangwa National Park adding that the people of North Luangwa had not cried foul that the buffaloes were missing.