‘Tourism on life support,’ Matero lawmaker, Sampa, calls for urgent govt action to revive sector

Miles Sampa, Patriotic Front (PF) Matero Member of Parliament, has compared the Livingstone tourism sector to a dormant elephant, urging government and the Livingstone local council to revitalise activities in the tourism capital.

Describing the sector as “barely breathing,” Sampa lamented its current state, suggesting that it was only active during annual general conferences for accountants, engineers and lawyers.

“In truth, Livingstone’s tourism is on life support, with officials often denying the obvious and attributing its decline to factors like the lingering effects of COVID-19,” Sampa said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday.

Emphasizing Zambia’s potential beyond copper mining, Sampa urged leveraging natural wonders like the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls, while advocating a tourism-driven economy akin to Kenya and South Africa.

Reflecting on his recent visit to Livingstone, Sampa noted the underutilisation of accommodations, citing a stark contrast between the hotel’s capacity and actual occupancy.

He called on government to reassess and devise robust strategies to reignite tourism in Livingstone.

Sampa stated the importance of transformative thinking and proactive planning, urging action to unlock Livingstone’s tourism potential for the benefit of local communities and the national economy.

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