Lusaka, Zambia – 13th February 2025.
The Ministry of Tourism today held a press briefing to highlight the major successes achieved in 2024 and the strategic focus for 2025.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Tourism Hon. Rodney Sikumba, MP, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming Zambia into a top global tourism destination, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking natural landscapes.
The Minister highlighted some of the achievements in the sector. He said Zambia’s tourism sector recorded significant growth in 2024, with international arrivals rising to 2,199,820, a 35.3% increase from 2023. Visits to national parks, museums and heritage sites also grew to 530,110, reflecting a 9% increase.
The Ministry surpassed revenue targets, generating K319.5 million in non-tax revenue, a 59% increase over the projected K200.9 million.
The Ministry also had the re-launch of the “Take Holiday Yamu Loko” domestic tourism campaign, with 51 operators signing up. As well as held the first-ever KAZA Heads of State and Government Summit, attended by all five member states.
He says the Ministry experienced a remarkable 1.5 billion digital global views of Zambia’s tourism content, boosting international visibility.
The Minister further emphasized the importance of these milestones, stating:
“Tourism remains one of the key pillars of our economic transformation agenda. The progress we made in 2024 reflects our commitment to promoting Zambia as a premier travel destination. With the unwavering support of President Hakainde Hichilema and increased budgetary allocations, we are ensuring sustainable growth in the sector.”
As part of efforts to ensure sustainable tourism, the Ministry launched the National Community-Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) Policy (2023-2027) and enhanced wildlife protection by Procuring six motor vehicles for rapid response to human-wildlife conflicts. Training 80 Wildlife Police Officers and 75 Community Scouts to manage wildlife conflicts. Maintaining 16 airstrips in national parks and initiating feasibility studies for upgrades at Jeki, Chunga, and Kalabo airstrips to improve air connectivity. Grading and maintaining 3,813 km of tourism roads. Restocking three national parks with various wildlife species, including Kafue lechwe, lions, impalas, and white rhinos.
The Ministry continued its support for cultural heritage, funding 74 out of 98 gazetted traditional ceremonies. President Hakainde Hichilema personally attended 30 ceremonies, alongside over 70 Royal Highnesses, marking a historic level of engagement.
Additionally, Zambia achieved global recognition with the inscription of the Mangwengwe Dance on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Despite these successes, challenges such as power outages, drought-induced wildlife distress, and human encroachment in protected areas affected operations. Hon. Sikumba acknowledged these hurdles, stating:
“We faced several challenges in 2024, including the impact of drought on wildlife and the rising costs for tourism operators due to power outages. However, we remain resolute in addressing these issues to ensure continued growth and sustainability in the sector.”
Looking ahead, the Ministry aims to increase international arrivals to over 2.4 million and boost domestic tourism by 30%. Enhance air access and visa policies, with Zambia now offering visa-free entry to 167 countries. Finalize key legal reforms, including revisions to the Zambia Wildlife Act (2015), Tourism and Hospitality Act (2015) and National Museums Act. Develop and rehabilitate tourism infrastructure at key sites such as Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park, and Livingstone. Strengthen private sector engagement through the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) to promote investment in the tourism sector. Promote and market traditional ceremonies to preserve Zambia’s cultural identity and attract tourists.
Meanwhile, the Tourism Council of Zambia Chairperson, Yosuf Zumla emphasized on the improvements in road infrastructure and expanding air connectivity as key to boosting tourists’ number in2 025.
He further called for increased funding to the Zambia Tourism Agency to enhance its marketing efforts to showcase Zambia as a premier destination.
With a 281% increase in budgetary allocation since 2021, the Ministry is confident in its ability to drive economic transformation, create jobs for the people and enhance Zambia’s global tourism footprint.
Issued by:
Nelly Banda
