Private sector key to tourism – Masebo

Government has called on the private sector and other players in the Tourism industry to collaborate if the sector is to record remarkable growth.
Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo said for the tourism sector to grow, there was need to have many events that could lead to sustainable development in the industry.
Speaking during the launch of Zambia International Travel Expo (ZITE) in Lusaka yesterday, Ms Masebo said the tourism Industry could only grow with collaboration from the private sector.
This year’s ZITE will attract 150 exhibitors, 70 per cent from Zambia and 30 per cent would mainly come from the region including regional tourism authorities.
She said in other countries  where the tourism industry has been a success, the main drivers was the private sector.
“We must, as the private sector work together with the Government and ensure that we come up with various products or activities that will not only bring the local people together, but also bring foreign tourists into the country. That is the only way we are going to grow the industry,” Ms Masebo said.
She said there was need to grow the creative industry as it was from such an  industry that tourism would grow.
The minister said Government was in the process of launching the new tourism policy which calls for cooperation and collaboration among all stakeholders in its quest to implement meaningful and sustainable development.
She implored all operators in the industry countrywide including those from sectors providing auxiliary services, to exhibit at the 2014 ZITE event which starts from April 26-27, 2014.