 
March/April 2015
Tourism Zambia A publication from the Embassy of The Republic of Zambia - Office of Tourism
Zambian Tour Operators Win Awards New Uni-Visa System to Boost Zambia’s Tourism Government Seeks Tourism Partners
Zambia makes a presence across the US
Full Stories Inside See inside for the full stories
 
From The Publisher Marsha Holdway First Secretary - Tourism The Embassy Of The Republic of Zambia
I feel honored and privileged to be serving my country as First Secretary of Tourism at the Embassy of the Republic of Zambia in Washington DC. My portfolio comes with a list of responsibilities which ultimately translate to exposing and promoting Zambia as a major tourist destination. Zambia's beauty makes her easy to promote. Think about it, Zambia has national game parks, Zambia has the worlds largest Chimpanzee sanctuary, Zambia has a rich culture, and Zambia has one of the greatest wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls just to mention a few. The task of promoting tourism into Zambia can be a little challenging because not many people are aware of the many unique attributes of Zambia’s tourism environment. Many countries in the region are also competing for tourists so it is imperative that we highlight those features, and experiences that are unique to Zambia. Zambia has all the attributes that make it a desirable and prime location for tourism. But we do need to work a little harder in our efforts to let the world know that Zambia is here. I, with my partners in Zambia and the U.S. will continue to market this hidden treasure called Zambia.
Marsha Holdway First Secretary - Tourism The Embassy Of The Republic of Zambia 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington DC 20008 maholdway@zambiaembassy.org
This e-magazine is one of the several tools I plan to use to market and inform our target audience about Zambia. I hope you find the information useful and informative. Please help promote and market Zambia by forwarding this e-magazine to your network. A special word of thanks to Honorary Consul for Zambia in California, Robert Sichinga Jnr, for his collaboration in the development of the strategy for tourism. And a special word of thanks to the Honorary Consul for Zambia in Colorado, Cherri Briggs for her expert knowledge of the tourism industry as it pertains to the United States of America and Zambia.
(202) 332-0826 Facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/TourismEmbassyofZambia Twitter page: @TourismZambiaUS
Welcome to Zambia
The land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness, all in one friendly country.
Blessed with awe-inspiring natural wonders, an abundance of wildlife, huge water bodies and vast open spaces, Zambia oers unforgettable holidays exploring the real Africa.
Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia's welcoming people live in peace and harmony. And here, in the warm heart of Africa, you will find some of the finest Safari experiences on the planet, including face to face encounters with Nature at its most wild.
Spectacular waterways provide adrenaline-thrills or a leisurely playground of activities for all ages. Seventeen magnificent waterfalls, apart from the spectacular Victoria Falls, provide 'cascade followers' an adventure into the remote undeveloped rural areas where a taste of village life can be experienced.
Spectacular daily sunsets are almost guaranteed.
Ministry of Tourism and Arts The Ministry of Tourism and Arts was created on 10th July, 2011 after realignment of Government Ministries by the late President of the Republic of Zambia, His E x c e l l e n c y M r. Michael Chilufya Sata. This brought together the portfolio functions of tourism from former Ministry of Honorable Jean Kapata Foreign Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Arts Tourism and the portfolio functions of Culture from the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs. This was done in order to streamline and rationalize the functions and operations of the tourism and cultural sector.
The Ministry draws its mandate from the portfolio functions as stipulated in the Government Gazette Notice No 561 of 2012 as follows:
•
Accommodation and establishments;
• • • • • • • •
Arts and Culture centers;
Culture industries;
Culture Policy;
Casinos;
National Parks and Wildlife;
Safari Operations;
Travel agencies; and
Tourism Policy.
The Ministry is also responsible for the following statutory bodies:
• • • •
Zambia Wildlife Authority;
Zambia Tourism Board;
National Arts Council; and
Hotel and Tourism Training Institute.
Goals Statements • To increase Tourism and Arts Sector contribution to GDP from 2.1 in 2012 to 6% in 2016.
• To increase employment creation from 30,000 in 2012 to 300,000 in 2016.
Objectives:
• To provide policy and regulatory frameworks in order to create a conducive environment for Tourism and, Arts development and preservation of culture;
• To facilitate and co-ordinate the rehabilitation of existing and construction of new tourism, arts and culture infrastructure in order to promote the development of the sector;
• To promote research, investments, marketing and product development in tourism, arts and culture in order to contribute to employment and wealth creation;
• To effectively manage and facilitate development of human resources in order to improve organizational performance;
• To facilitate and coordinate the provision of quality education and training in tourism, culture, arts and wildlife in order to contribute to their effective management, sustainable development and utilization;
• To promote and facilitate bilateral and multilateral cooperation in tourism, arts and culture in order to foster Zambia’s interests and meet international obligations;
• To plan, monitor, and evaluate the implementation of ministerial and sector policies and programs in order to assess their contribution to set objectives; and
• To provide administrative and logistical support services in order to enhance effective and efficient operations of the Ministry.
Carry Zambia with you. Download the Zambia USA Chamber of Commerce App and look up Tourism
www.zambiausachamber.org (424) 206-4455
In The News Zambian Tour Operators Win Awards
in areas such as contribution to local communities, ecological sensitivity, safari?guiding and cuisine, along with three individuals for their achievements in safari tourism, guiding and conservation as well as two charitable organizations.
By Times of Zambia reporter
ZAMBIAN tour operators have scooped 10 awards in the recently held 2015 Safari competition held in London.
The Zambian tour operators scooped the awards in the categories of best safari experience in Africa, best walking safari, best new camp in Africa, best value safari property, African Park.
New Uni-Visa System to Boost Zambia’s Tourism
By Zambia Tourist Board
Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) managing director Felix Chaila named the winning tour operators as Norman Carr Walking Safaris, Chinzombo Safaries, Flat dogs Safaris, Old-Mondoro Safaris.
From the 1st of December 2014, a new uni-visa system will be implemented at Zambian/Zimbabwean borders and will mean that visitors to both countries will require only one visa. This applies to all 40 countries that currently require visas for either country.
Norman Carr Walking Safaris won the Best Safari Experience in Africa, 2015, African-Parks managers of Liuwa National Park in Western Province scooped the Best Wildlife Conservation organization award.
The new visa regime is premised on an increasing number of joint ventures between Zambia and Zimbabwe that have looked to improve the lives of citizens in both
The2015 Safari Awards Results were announced on Tuesday evening at a gala cocktail event overlooking a firework-peppered London from the 31st floor Paramount Bar, West End.
countries in recent years, as well as on the new “open border” policy that was used between the two countries when they co-hosted the United Nations World Tourism Organization General Assembly in 2013.
Out of the 20 categories, Zambia scooped the 10 awards with Norman Carr Walking Safaris walking away with the Best Safari Experience in Africa, 2015.
The awards are held annually to pick the best Safari experience among other categories in Africa.
The awards were sponsored by the independent Good Safari Guide and led by a team of 13 highly respected independent safari specialists drawn from Australia, Germany, United States of America (USA) and the United Kingdom (UK).
Mr Chaila said the Safari awards attracted 15,000 public and travel trade nominations for more than 365 safari properties, guides and operators being whittled down to 20 award winners representing the future of wildlife tourism and conservation of wildlife in Africa.
Mr Chaila said that further 14 safari lodges, houses and mobile organizations were honored for their achievements
The new visa system will be applied at Livingstone and Lusaka airports and the border posts at Victoria Falls and Kazangula. The visa, which is to be called the Kaza visa, will cost $50 and will last for one month.
The system has been financed by the World Bank and has cost around USD$800,000.
Speaking during commemorations of Zambia’s 50th anniversary of Independence in Harare at the end of October, Zambia’s foreign envoy Ndiyoi Mutiti said that the new visa would boost tourism in both countries.
It is understood that Namibia, Botswana and Angola will join the scheme after the initial six months.
In The News Kapata Markets Zambia's Untapped Tourism Prospects
 
By Julius Phiri partnerships and joint ventures between Zambians and foreign investors for their mutual benefits as this creates sustainable jobs and livelihoods," Ms Kapata told the gathering that included investors, tourism experts, UN accredited ambassadors and diplomats.
The minister said Zambia was in the process of piloting a universal visa (UNIVISA) program with Zimbabwe.
After the pilot project, Ms Kapata said the process would be extended to other member States of the KavangoZambezi -Transfrontier Conservation, which included Angola, Botswana and Namibia before spreading it to the remaining SADC countries.
TOURISM and Arts Minister Jean Kapata
TOURISM and Arts Minister Jean Kapata has said Zambia's tourism sector oers massive untapped investment opportunities.
Ms Kapata was speaking during a panel of discussion on investment and tourism in Africa under the theme 'Tourism: The untapped potential for future growth', organized by Casa Africa and Spain in New York.
This is contained in a statement issued by first secretary for Press and public relations at the Permanent Mission of Zambia to United Nations (UN) Chibaula Silwamba.
The minister said Zambia had attractive policies and regulatory frameworks to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
"My Government is strongly encouraging community private
She said the immigration department was in the process of implementing the online visa application, whose introduction had been approved by Cabinet.
"The process for clearance of immigrants requiring visas at the point of entry has been streamlined, with entrants being cleared within a minimum of up to three minutes using the visa automation system," she said.
Ms Kapata said the Zambian Government had embarked on the development of connectivity infrastructure in tourism sites.
The minister said communities in Zambia's nature-based tourism sites should benefit from the sector for them to appreciate and preserve the resources.
Ms Kapata called on African countries to plan and integrate tourism into their economies as well as develop tourism products in a
complementary manner for the continent to be competitive on the World stage.
In his opening remarks, Spain Minister of Industry, Energy and Tourism, Jose Manuel Soria Lopez, said his country believed in the catalytic role of investment and business in the promotion of economic growth and development in Africa.
He said Spain's intention was to increase investments in Africa in the next years .
Other panelists were Namibia's Minister of Trade and Industry, Carl Schlettwein, Zimbabwe's Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi, UN UnderSecretary General Gyan Chandra Achaya, United Nations World Tourism Organization representative Carlos Vogeler and was moderated by South Africa and Sierra Leone ambassadors to the UN.
The panelists emphasized the importance of promoting investment in Africa, positive portrayal of the continent and the need for the resources to benefit the locals.
The panel discussion focused on highlighting the investment potential of Africa and Spain cooperation with countries in the continent.
In The News Government Seeks Tourism Partners BRIAN HATYOKA
THE Government is looking for serious investors to partner with in the establishment of a tourism university in Livingstone, Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata has said. And Permanent Secretary Stephen Mwansa has disclosed that Zambia and Seychelles are in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other agreements to enable the two countries collaborate in the area of tourism. Ms Kapata said the Government, through the Hotel and Tourism Training Institute (HTTI), was looking for a serious investor to work with in the establishment of a tourism university in Zambia’s tourist capital. She said land was available in Livingstone to house the university. Ms Kapata was speaking in Livingstone at Zambia Airforce (ZAF) Mess Banquet Hall on Friday during the gala dinner for delegates attending the second Livingstone International Cultural and Arts Festival (LICAF). The festival, which ended yesterday, with an arts and cultural exhibition at Livingstone Golf Club, attracted four countries, namely, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Seychelles and Mozambique. “My Government has earmarked sites in Livingstone, Kafue and South Luangwa National parks for attracting investment in hotel accommodation and other facilities,” Ms Kapata said.
“Furthermore, Government, through HTTI, is seeking a serious investor to partner with in the establishment of a tourism university in Livingstone and a huge peace of land is already available.” Ms Kapata also said her ministry was working with that of Commerce, Trade and Industry on a proposal to establish the Livingstone Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) aimed at boosting economic activities through the provision of sector incentives that would attract investment in Livingstone. She said Livingstone had changed for the better after the cohosting of the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly in August 2013. “Livingstone now has the best international airport in the country and we also have a modern cultural village known as Maramba while we have upgraded roads and a new arts gallery, among others,” Ms Kapata said. “Furthermore, Livingstone has now become one of the cleanest towns in Zambia and all these came as legacy projects meant to benefit the people of Livingstone way beyond the hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly.” Ms Kapata said it was the wish of the Patriotic Front (PF) Government that the tourism industry created many meaningful jobs to contribute to poverty reduction. Meanwhile, Mr Mwansa said Zambia and Seychelles would soon sign an MoU and other agreements to enable the two countries collaborate in the area of tourism and culture. He said among the actions to be included in the MoU would be joint operations, training and exchanges in key areas of tourism and culture. “Seychelles offers world-class facilities, services and standards in the areas of tourism and culture and so Zambia stands to benefit from this MoU,” Mr Mwansa said. “Students, artists and other tourism officials from Zambia will have an opportunity to visit Seychelles and that country will also do likewise for mutual benefit.” The third LICAF will take place from March 17, 2016 to March 19, 2016 in Livingstone and so far Zimbabwe, Seychelles and Mozambique have confirmed their participation. Senior Chief Munokalya Mukuni of Kazungula District in Southern Province, Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) managing director Felix Chaila, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive Karikoge Kaseke as well as high-profile officials from Seychelles and Mozambique attended the dinner.
Meet Cherri Briggs Owner and President of EXPLORE Inc, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Zambia in Colorado
fi r s t n o n - c i t i z e n t o receive this appointment. She was also been appointed as Honorary Consul for the Republic of Zambia to the USA in August of 2013.
First Secretary of Tourism, Marsha Holdway with Explore Owner and Honorary Consul, Cherri Briggs
Cherri Briggs
founded EXPLORE Inc. in 1992 in order to pursue her interests in conservation and community development. Since that time EXPLORE has become one of the leading African travel companies in the USA and now operates in 18 African countries. Today EXPLORE has offices in Colorado, Boston, Botswana and Zambia.
Cherri has been the recipient of Condé Nast Traveler’s prestigious award “Top Travel Specialist for Southern Africa” annually since 2001, Condé Nast Traveler’s “Top Villa Specialist for Africa” each year since 2008, and was honored with Condé Nast Traveler’s first award for social responsibility in travel. Cherri is co-founder and a board member for the Safari Professionals of the Americas (SPA), a group of North America’s leading safari operators who are authorities on sustainable travel to Africa.
Cherri was appointed to the Botswana Tourism Organization Board in January 2014 and is the
Office: 970-871-0065, Toll Free: 888-596-6377 Fax: 888-596-6377 Email: info@exploreafrica.net Mailing Address PO Box 776369 Steamboat Springs, CO 80477 Physical Address 1169 Hilltop Pkwy, #102 Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
First Secretary Tourism meets author of “1000 Places To See Before You Die,” Patricia Schultz
First Secretary of Tourism , Marsha Holdway with Author Patricia Schultz
Patricia Schultz
author of the bestseller "1000 Places To See Before You Die," met with the Zambia team and yes Zambia and the Victoria Falls are mentioned in her book.
Patricia Schultz is a veteran travel journalist with 25 years of experience, she has written for guides such as Frommer’s and Berlitz and periodicals including The Wall Street Journal and Travel Weekly. She also executive-produced a Travel Channel television show based on 1,000 Places to See Before You Die.
Her book has been translated into 25 languages and has over 4 million copies in print. With these works, she has reinvented the idea of travel book as both wish list and practical guide. She was chosen by Forbes as one of the 25 most influential women in travel.
The new second edition SEE BEFORE YOU DIE destinations, 28 new photographs, and more
of 1,000 PLACES TO has 200 entirely new countries, full-color than 50 percent new
material woven into the revised and expanded entries, which emphasize comprehensive travel experiences instead of single sites.
First Secretary Tourism as a Tourist in Zambia Zambia does not domesticate wild animals. These elephants a re o r p h a n s re s c u e d f ro m Zimbabwe. The thing is, elephants are dierent to other wildlife. Since these elephants were taken care of from infancy, if they were released into the wild, they would not be able to survive. The funds raised from elephant rides are used to protect other elephants orphaned due mainly to poaching. I learned this while visiting the conservation camp. She rode Madiba, the naughtiest elephant in the camp and the most intelligent- go figure!
 
First Secretary Tourism as a Tourist in Zambia Funny thing is, I took pictures of tourists in the pool the day before. Devils pool is only accessed from the Zambian side of the falls. I thought to myself, I could never do that, they must be crazy! the following day, I was in the pool with someone else taking pictures of me. It is mad, but trust me when I say it is one of the single most amazing experience of my life. Try it out at least once!
In Livingstone in the canoe depicting the transport that David Livingstone used to traverse the Zambezi river to explore. ,
Added value to my stay at the Royal Livingstone. They were friendly, professional and knowledgeable about the history and area of Livingstone. They made me understand the cultural aspect and impact of the legacy of David Livingstone and the indigenous Zambians of the area and Zambia at large.
The Embassy of Zambia in Washington DC hosts Safari Professionals of America The Mission in Washington DC hosted a private reception with the Safari Professionals of the Americas (SPA) on the 30th of July 2014. SPA is a group of thirtytwo (32) like-minded North American based African travel specialists dedicated to delivering the highest quality advice, experience and professionalism to their clients. These esteemed professionals collectively represent nearly USD 200 million tourism dollars for Africa. The Mission invited ambassadors and tourism officers from the SADC countries and Kenya to the event to meet with safari industry leaders from the USA and Canada, and CEO’s and Directors of Wilderness Safaris & Beyond and Asilia Africa who are the world’s leading safari providers. The reception was well attended by all the thirty- two (32) SPA members as well as the Ambassador for Botswana, Her Excellency, Dr. Tebelelo Mazile Seretse, Counsellor (Political) for Zimbabwe and First Secretary (Tourism) for Tanzania. Honorary Consul Ms. Cherri Briggs, thanked His Excellency, Ambassador Palan Mulonda graciously hosting the event as well as for showing tremendous willingness to collaborate with the SPA members in order to increase the flow of tourists to Zambia. Following this event, a number of SPA members have since requested for a copy of the presentation to use as a source of information for their clients as well as to extract footage from it for their websites. Some have also expressed interest in continued collaboration with the Mission in areas of promotional and marketing work. The SPA group is also preparing a press release of the event.
 
Zambia makes a presence across the US First Secretary of Tourism participates in multi-city travel shows
LOS ANGELES TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW: February 19th - 23rd The Mission in Washington DC participated in the Los Angeles Travel and Adventure Show on the 21st and 22nd of February 2015. The Mission was represented by First Secretary (Tourism) at the largest Travel and Adventure Show in the United States. This show had over 40,000 visitors.
While in Los Angeles, Marsha also met with one of the largest tour operators with a focus on Africa, Africa Travel Inc, as well as the Africa Travel Association (ATA)
22% of leisure travel to Africa comes from California making it the state with the highest number of travelers to Africa.
Working the Zambia booth with Honorary Consul, Robert Sichinga Jnr.
Zambia makes a presence across the US First Secretary of Tourism participates in multi-city travel shows WASHINGTON DC TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW: March 7th - 8th The Embassy of Zambia participated in the Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show from the 7th of March 2015 to the 8th of March 2015. The Mission was represented by the First Secretary (Tourism) at the 11th Washington DC Travel and Adventure Show which is the only travel show in the Washington DC area. The Show provides an opportunity for travelers to congregate annually to dream, plan, and book their next holidays. Travelers also attend in order to get inspired and get ideas on where to go, what to do and further receive the latest travel information to keep them up to date with tours and trips on oer. The Show attracted nearly 25,000 attendees
First Secretary of Tourism, Marsha Holdway with Deputy Chief of Mission, Joe Chilaizya
PHILADELPHIA TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE SHOW: March 21st - 22nd The Mission in Washington DC participated in the Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show on the 21st and 22nd of March 2015. The Mission was represented by First Secretary (Tourism) at the first ever Philadelphia Travel and Adventure Show. The Mission was of the view that Zambia could benefit from exhibiting at the Show for the following reasons;
a) It is the third most populous town in the United States.
b) It is the fourth largest media market in the nation.
c) Philadelphia is ranked fourth in consumer expenditure
d) It is the fifth largest city in the country with a city population of one million, five hundred and twenty six thousand and six (1,526,006).
Embassy of the Republic of Zambia 2419 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008 (202) 265-9717 Fax: (202) 332-0826
Embassy Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm*