Govt plans to invest K1.29 billion in tourism in 2025, as country records 21% increase in international arrivals

Zambia has recorded a 21 percent increase in international arrivals, reaching 732,732 compared to the same period in 2023, according to authorities.

To further boost the tourism sector, the government plans to invest approximately K1,289,935,340 in 2025, as announced by Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, during the presentation of the K217 billion 2025 National Budget in Parliament on Friday.

Musokotwane also revealed plans to operate the Victoria Falls Border for 24 hours to enhance tourism access.

He highlighted government’s commitment to conserving biodiversity and promoting integrated transboundary management by continuing collaboration with neighboring countries to develop transfrontier conservation areas.

“So far, the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area has been implemented while agreements with Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe have been signed,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of these agreements in facilitating infrastructure development that eases tourist movement across borders.

“Madam Speaker, two years ago, the government took some bold measures to assist this sector to quickly recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The measures included robust marketing, hosting of conferences, and favorable policies such as the waiver of visa fees, and the outcome of the measures has been very good,” Musokotwane noted.

He informed Parliament that the US$100 million Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project would support the development of tourism infrastructure at Kasaba Bay, Liuwa National Park and the source of the Zambezi River.

“The project has commenced, and feasibility studies that will inform the planned infrastructure development in the project areas are underway. Construction works are scheduled to commence in 2025,” Musokotwane concluded.

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