More than 120 tour operators eye Zambia International Travel Show

Over 120 local and international tour operators have confirmed participation in this year’s Zambia International Travel show which will take place from April 28-30, 2009.

And Africast Exhibition Management has reaffirmed its continued support to attract more tourists in the country despite the global economic recession.

Africast managing director, Chimwemwe Nyirenda, told ZANIS in an interview that this year’s show, which had attracted different exhibitors, was aimed at marketing Zambia’s tourism industry to the rest of the World.

He said with the show,many local and international tourists would have a chance of knowing more about the country’s tourism destinations and, therefore, contribute to the national’s economic growth through participation.

He said the show would also accord Zambian tour operators a chance to market themselves to the outside world and attract more tourists to the country.

Mr Nyirenda stressed that even with the current global economic crisis, Zambia still had the potential to attract more tourists and improve her economic status.

He said the tourism sector had the potential to contribute positively to the process of revamping the economy if properly developed and managed.

Meanwhile, Mr Nyirenda has urged tour operators in the county to face the challenge of reduced numbers of foreign tourists visiting the country due to the global economic recession and come up with incentives that would attract local tourists.

He said there was need for tour operators to appreciate the importance of domestic marketing of their products and services.

He said not many Zambians had shown interest in visiting tourism sites due to lack of adequate information about the local tourism attractions.

Mr Nyirenda urged tour operators to consider marketing their services and products to domestic clients by providing information on what they have to offer.

He challenged local exhibitors to take advantage of the show and come up with holiday packages that would market Zambia prior to the 2010 soccer World Cup in South Africa.