Invest in tourism, Masebo urges mines

September 14, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

MINISTER of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo with her deputy David Phiri when the graced the official opening of the Diamond Casino on Wednesday evening. – Picture by MACKSON WASAMUNU.

By ALEX NJOVU and MONICA KAYOMBO
MINISTER of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo has called on mining companies to consider investing in the tourism sector.
Speaking during the Copperbelt tourism investment forum in Kitwe yesterday, Ms Masebo said it is important for mining companies to invest in tourism.
“The mining sector can help us to create a big product that can attract many tourists,” Ms Masebo said.
She said the country’s domestic tourism should be developed and that people should be encouraged to visit local tourist sites with their families.
“If the tourism sector is to develop, our people must be involved and ensure that they take their families on sightseeing tours to various parts of the country. As Zambians, we must know a lot about our own country. Let us take our families to national parks and other tourist attractions,” Ms Masebo said.
She urged the mines to invest in infrastructure development in readiness for the hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general conference to be co-hosted by Livingstone and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls town in August next year.
“The mines can come on board and build lodges in Livingstone which will help in providing accommodation for the tourists who will attend the event next year,” she said.
And Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) managing director Felix Chaila called on Zambians to invest in tourism because the sector can greatly contribute to national development.
Mr Chaila said ZTB is working with various stakeholders to promote tourism in the country.
And speaking earlier when she paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge in Ndola, Ms Masebo said there is need to decentralise the tourism sector before the UNWTO general conference.
Ms Masebo said she intends to engage Minister of Local Government and Housing Emerine Kabanshi to come up with a strategy on how the programme could be implemented.
The minister said councils can also play a critical role in promoting the country’s tourism.
Ms Masebo also called on the business community on the Copperbelt to take part in the activities taking place prior to the UNWTO general conference.
She said the corporate world should consider taking some of their businesses to Livingstone as one way of participating in activities leading to the UNWTO general conference.
Ms Masebo urged the mines to come up with mining packages to use during the global tourism conference to enable participants know more about their activities.