‘BOOST DOMESTIC TOURISM’

THERE is need to boost domestic tourism as it is an essential contributor to the growth of the tourism sector in the country, Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Board chairperson, Tecla Ngwenya has said

Dr Ngwenya said all sector players should work towards promoting home grown and authentic tourism products and services, which local residents would appreciate.

He was speaking at the launch the inaugural Zambia Travel ‘‘Indaba’’ held at Maramba River Lodge in Livingstone at the weekend.

“The initiative is a clear indication of how the private sector can stir growth of tourism especially in the challenging times like this.

“The tourism ‘‘‘‘indaba is an opportunity for business entities to showcase although this should not only be limited to the other consumers but other business entities can meet with other players and come up with solutions to enhance economic development,” Dr Ngwenya said.

She said this is a speech read by ZTA acting chief executive Officer Solistar Cheelo.

Meanwhile, Livingstone Tourism Association (LTA) chairperson, Rodney Sikumba, said tourism sector players should re-strategise how best they could promote domestic tourism through the provision of affordable products and services.

And Zambia travel indaba conveyor Toni Buratto said the indaba was aimed bringing both tourism sector players and business entities together to help market and attract domestic tourists to the tourist capital.

Lingstone Mayor, Eugene Mapuwo urged tourism sector players in Livingstone to stir up interest in residents to sample products and services by offering affordable packages.

Mr Mapuwo said this would help promote home grown tourism in order to enhance the growth of the sector.

He regretted that some residents had not had the privilege to access some of the services offered in their locality because of the high rates and lack of effective marketing.

“It is your responsibility as tourism sector players to create interests in citizens so that they too can have the opportunity to sample the services that you offer and not only focus on offering your products to the international clientele,” he said.

Mr Mapuwo said some residents had not visited the Victoria Falls and had also not have had an up close interaction with animals such as elephants despite having opportunities in their proximity.

He said the sector players should be essential facilitators in the promotion and provision of affordable products and services to enhance the tourism sector.

Mr Mapuwo commended the initiative to hold the travel indaba saying it would help market and attract domestic tourists to the