The Importance of Domestic Tourism

[WRITER / PHOTO: Thandiwe Mweetwa ]

When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, the travel industry suffered a major blow. One that was reminiscent of the 2008 financial meltdown which saw the international travel market crash. Non-essential travel ground to a halt and this spelt doom for tourist destinations across the globe. Holidays were cancelled for the foreseeable future and businesses were crippled, in turn causing them to lay off workers. Our little town of Mfuwe, where the local economy is dependent almost entirely on tourism, was not spared. I watched as family and friends lost much needed income.

Because of travel restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19, there were not many options open for holidaymakers. This saw those that had international holidays cancelled turn to domestic destinations for some much needed rest and relaxation. The importance of domestic tourism became more apparent as the pandemic wore on. For many months, there were very few tourists and the ones that came were from within the country.

They helped cushion the impacts of the pandemic by bringing in some much needed income. For small businesses, I believe this may have actually been the lifeline that saved them from total collapse.

This article is meant to make a case for domestic tourism especially for the hesitant traveller. I am also going to be dispelling some myths about domestic travel, sharing potential places to visit, with my backyard South Luangwa as an example, and sharing some tips on how to make domestic travel a fun experience.

In Bemba, there is a proverb that says “Umwana ashenda atasha Nina ukunaya”. The loose translation is that a child that never travels thinks that the mother cooks the best food in the whole world. This proverb encapsulates very well the notion that travel enriches our lives and broadens our horizons. The people we meet and the places we visit have the potential to provide unique, life-changing experiences while reconnecting us to our motherland. Travel enables us to experience the hospitality of different tribes and I believe this helps humanise those we may have viewed as ‘other’. Zambia is a beautiful country and when we get to see different corners of it for ourselves, it awakens an undeniable sense of national pride. There is always something exciting about setting foot on places that we have only previously learned about in books or through TV e.g. Victoria Falls or Ing’ombe Ilede.

DOMESTIC TOURISM | ZAMBIA about a 1.5hr drive. By air, Proflight Zambia has multiple flights a week direct from Lusaka and sometimes through Lower Zambezi. Nearly every week, they announce discounted fares going for nearly a third of the regular price.

• Where to stay

There is a wide selection of high end, medium range and budget accommodation. For those willing and able to pay a little bit more, there is a selection of safari lodges that provide accommodation with scenic views of the Luangwa River or wildlife rich lagoons. For the budget traveller, there are comfortable lodges with rates for air-conditioned (a bonus in the hot season) rooms starting as low as K350.

Misconceptions about domestic tourism

• Too expensive

Many people do not know that it is possible to have a fulfilling travel experience on a budget. Although the tourism industry in Zambia could be diversified in terms of the price range of packages, there are a number of budget options at many destinations. These include the option of self-drive, catering and camping.

• Only for foreigners

There is a common misconception that travelling, especially to national parks and wild places is something done by foreigners. Activities like hiking are also seen as something only certain demographics engage in. Being out in nature is rejuvenating no matter one’s race, sex or creed.

• Dangerous

Zambia is one of the safest countries in

Africa and travelling around the country is usually incident-free. Culturally, we are taught to be kind to visitors so people are usually very friendly and helpful.

Most Zambian languages have proverbs that touch on the transiency of travellers and the need to treat them well such as

“Mlendo ni mame” in Nyanja (“Guests are like dew drops”).

Tips

• Travel with friends For first time travellers that are nervous about going it alone, there is nothing wrong with seeking safety in numbers.

Tagging a friend or two along will help make your trip a very enjoyable experience.

• Be Flexible and have an open mind There is a common saying that ‘No plan survives first contact”. Even the best laid plans can fall apart and this can be quite stressful. In such times just take a deep breath and enjoy the road and wherever it takes you. usually have specials especially around holidays and special times of year. Many of them also have resident rates. A combination of these can help make your adventure affordable.

• Take the self-catering option to save money

If staying somewhere for a few days that has self-catering facilities, use them.

Buying groceries and making your own meals usually works out cheaper than ordering. This is a great money saver if you are travelling on a budget.

Places to visit with South Luangwa as an example

• What to do Many people come to South Luangwa for its incredible game viewing. There is the option of booking safaris with one of the established world-famous lodges and being guided by some of the best guides in Africa. This is a particularly good option for those that have the financial means and value modern creature comforts with a bush touch. For people with 4x4 vehicles, self-driving is a great option that allows travellers to explore SLNP at their own pace. There are also private guides with private vehicles who conduct safaris with prices starting at K450 per person.

This is a great way to support up and coming local tourism entrepreneurs.

There are a wide range of tourist attractions in Zambia ranging from natural wonders, archeological sites and modern holiday resorts. Many of them are accessible by road and or by air. For local Zambians, the best place to start when looking for places to visit is to look at the list of tourist attractions we learnt about in Geography or History class. Below, I give an example of South Luangwa National Park (SLNP) as a sample destination.

• How to get there SLNP is accessed both by road and by air. Taking the T4 (Great East) road from

Lusaka on car hire service, public transport or self-drive will bring you to Chipata, where you can connect to Mfuwe after All in all, domestic tourism has the potential to be a key accelerator for national development while developing a sense of pride in our natural and cultural heritage. Let’s get out and explore Zambia!