TOURISM ARRIVALS SURGE AFTER VISA WAIVER

By Kalobwe Bwalya

THERE is a need to uphold the visa policy and strategies aimed at attracting more intracontinental and international tourists regardless of decisions made by other nations, Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) chairman Yousuf Zumia has said.

In an interview, Mr. Zumia said since the initiation of Zambia’s visa waiver program last year, a notable surge in international tourist arrivals had been witnessed with projections indicating an excess of pre- COVID levels by 2024.

Mr. Zumia disclosed that approximately 1.7 million international air visitors and over 2.5 million International road travellers, adding that the growth underscored the positive outcomes of Visa waiver programs in fuelling the development of the tourism sector and bolstering economic prosperity in Zambia.

He said tourism was a rapidly growing sector and urged more Zambians to get involved and benefit from tourism businesses.

He observed that the recent decision by Namibia to revoke the visa waiver program for certain countries served as a cautionary example of the potential negative impacts of certain decisions on the tourism sector and overall investment.

“As we witness the positive impact of visa waiver programs on the tourism sector, it is crucial for more Zambians to seize the opportunity presented by this growth by actively participating in tourism businesses whether through hospitality tour operations or cultural exchanges. Zambians can contribute to the sector’s expansion leap,” Mr. Zumia said.

He also said as part of the board of the visa waiver program which includes Kenya, Zambia had successfully joined the Zambia- Kenya joint technical committee which aimed to maximize growth opportunities in the tourism sectors of both countries through joint efforts.

He observed that through the strategic implementation of the visa waiver programs, this undertaking will not only attract more international visitors, but also facilitate ease of travel to promote cultural exchange and enhance economic opportunities for local communities.

He stated that by leveraging visa waivers to welcome tourists from diverse backgrounds and nations, this will contribute to the enrichment of Zambia’s tourism landscape as well as the overall social economic well-being of the country.

“We can unlock the potential of Zambia as a premium tourism destination by welcoming a growing number of international visitors and reaping the economic benefits that accompany such growth hence the need for continued support and implementation of targeted policies such as visa waiver programs to sustain the momentum and growth in the tourism sector,” he said.

Further, Mr. Zumia emphasized the need for driving growth and economic development in Zambia’s vibrant tourism industry as it had become evident that strategic implementation of visa waiver programs had a profound impact on the tourism sector.

 “Data from the World Bank underscores the importance of maintaining visa waivers for intracontinental international tourists particularly in sub Saharan Africa where approximately 72% of international tourists originate from within the continent. Therefore, it is imperative for Zambia to continue facilitating the influx of international tourists,” he added.