TRYNESS TEMBO
Lusaka
THE Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) has urged private sector players to strengthen strategic collaborations and invest in local industries to create sustainable employment, strengthen local supply chains and promote economic development.
TCZ chief executive officer Glyden Mungaila said the private sector has an important role to play in prioritising local procurement, aligning business activities with national development priorities and promoting economic empowerment, particularly among women.
Speaking during the launch of the Rhodes Spring Sip to a Secret Trip campaign by Gatbro International Limited on Wednesday evening, Ms Mungaila said the council’s role is to drive growth in the tourism sector, provide a structured platform for government-private sector engagement and serve as the unified voice of the industry.
“Our current agenda is to embrace the full ecosystem of our industry, not only traditional operators but every business whose success is linked to tourism,” she said.
“Our increased visibility is not merely about attracting members; it is about demonstrating the economic impact of our sector as we work towards welcoming a minimum of five million arrivals by 2031.”
Ms Mungaila said the economic footprint of a traveller extends far beyond hotels, as tourism activates an entire value chain that includes distribution businesses such as Gatbro International.
She said as the tourism sector expands, demand for reliable suppliers will also increase, creating more market opportunities for businesses supporting the industry.
On the campaign, Ms Mungaila said it aligns with the Yamu Loko campaign being driven by the Ministry of Tourism because it encourages increased domestic travel and exploration of local destinations.
“Promoting local destinations strengthens local demand, enhances experiences and builds national pride,” she said. “This is the moment to shape the future of our sector with purpose.”
Ms Mungaila said September, the Tourism Month, provides a timely opportunity for local enterprises to innovate, collaborate and contribute to the country’s economic development agenda.
Gatbro International head of marketing Kalwa Hackett said the campaign is aimed at helping market Zambia to the international community while celebrating the beauty of friendship.
“As Gatbro International and Premier, we believe in encouraging both domestic and international travel,” she said. “There is so much to discover right here in Zambia, across the African continent and beyond.”
