Time ripe for Zambia to diversify through tourism – Sikwela

Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Reverend Dr. Howard Sikwela says the time is ripe for Zambia to diversify the economy through tourism.

Speaking when US Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote paid a courtesy call on him at his office, Dr. Sikwela said tourism comes under Pillar Number One of the Seventh National Development Plan, entailing the growing of the economy through diversification.

He says as opposed to mining whose prices are determined by the international market, tourism pricing and profitability has proved to be resilient.

And Ambassador Foote says Zambia has a stable, forward-looking Government that can help grow the tourism industry.

He says the best way to galvanize the US and Zambian interest is by supporting tourism through wildlife conservation.

Mr Foote says US Embassy looks forward to doing a lot of work with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife by assisting in the aviation side.

The US Government is one of Zambia’s biggest tourism source markets only second to France.

This is contained in a statement issued to QTV News by Ministry of Tourism and Arts Public Relations Officer Sakabilo Kalembwe.