Government is stepping up investment in tourism infrastructure, including accommodation facilities, roads and access to tourist attractions, as the country targets five million international tourist arrivals annually by 2031. The investment is aimed at ensuring that the country’s…

Government is stepping up investment in tourism infrastructure, including accommodation facilities, roads and access to tourist attractions, as the country targets five million international tourist arrivals annually by 2031.

The investment is aimed at ensuring that the country’s tourism infrastructure can accommodate the anticipated increase in international tourists, while improving the experience of both local and foreign tourists.

Ministry of Tourism Public Relations Officer, Nelly Banda, says Government is prioritising infrastructure development in emerging tourism destinations as well as improving facilities in established tourism circuits.

In an interview with the media in Lusaka, Ms Banda said one of the major interventions is the US$100 million World Bank-supported Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP), which is supporting infrastructure development in Nsumbu, Liuwa Plains and the source of the Zambezi River.

She also hinted that Government has launched the rehabilitation and upgrading of approximately 8.31 kilometres of selected roads in Livingstone to improve accessibility and the visitor experience.

Ms Banda added that Government is further encouraging private sector investment in hotels, lodges and conference facilities to expand accommodation capacity.

She noted that the ministry is also prioritising stronger air connectivity and improved access to tourist attractions to ensure that transport and accommodation capacity grow alongside visitor demand.

Meanwhile, Ms Banda stressed that the expansion of visa-free entry to nationals from 167 countries is another measure aimed at making Zambia more accessible and affordable to international tourists.

She said Government is also working with the private sector through the Zambia Tourism Agency to connect local tourism businesses with international buyers and travel partners.