———————-Zambia will this month-end host an International Arts Festival in the tourist capital, Livingstone.
Mr. Chaila said five countries have confirmed participation at the 2015 Livingstone International Arts Festival (LICAF) which opens on the 26th March and closes on 28th March, 2015.
Among the countries that have confirmed participation are neighbouring Botswana, Mozambique, Seychelles and Zimbabwe.
Zambia Tourism Board Managing (MD) Director Felix Chaila disclosed this at a media briefing held at Radisson Blue in Lusaka today during the Second LICAF launch of the public campaign.
He said the event will attract over 2,000 international and local exhibitors who will converge in the tourist capital, Livingstone to celebrate culture and arts exhibitions.
He said the key objective of LICAF was to celebrate Zambia’s and Africa’s cultural identity by show-casing the best of Africa’s cultural product in songs, dances and food.
The ZTB MD explained that LICAF is anchored by the Board but would be organized in partnership with Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), National Arts Council, National Heritage Conservation Commission and other stake holders in the tourism sector.
He further urged media houses to participate in the festival besides offering coverage.
He said among the activities lined up for this event include traditional dance workshops, food bazaar, contemporary music performances, street carnival fashion shows to depict Zambia’s designs including gala dinners and boat cruises.
Mr. Chaila urged the members of the public to support and come on bold and witness the birth of an annual International cultural and arts festival that would help change the face of Livingstone to a preferred regional and international destination of choice for tourists that want to explore.
And speaking at the same function, Seychelles Tourism Ambassador to Zambia Jimmy Butt said he is impressed with the level of support that Zambia has in developing the tourism industry.
Ambassador Butt has also congratulated the Board for successfully launching the 2015 LICAF.
He disclosed that the partnership with Zambia and Seychelles would be long out-standing in developing the tourism and culture of the two countries.