ZTB markets Zambia-Zimbabwe univisa at New York Travel show

NEW YORK, Friday, January 23, 2015 – Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) says the newly launched univisa for Zambia and Zimbabwe will boost tourist arrivals in the two countries.

Speaking when Permanent Mission of Zambia to the United Nations Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Chibaula Silwamba toured the Zambian stand at the on-going New York Times Travel Show on Friday, ZTB senior marketing manager Doris Kofi said her delegation was marketing the univisa (Kaza Visa) to the global travel industry.

“The Kaza Visa, which we launched last year, is beneficial because it saves tourists’ time and money because they only have to obtain one visa to visit both countries at a cost of just US$50,” Ms Kofi said. “The Kaza visa can be obtained on arrival at the port of entry and is valid for 30 days as long as the visa holder remains within Zambia and Zimbabwe. This visa also covers those who visit Botswana for a day trip through Kazungula border.”

The Kaza Visa is being piloted in Zambia and Zimbabwe, and it will extend to Angola, Botswana and Namibia in the next phase.

Ms Kofi said the ZTB delegation was showcasing Zambia’s vast tourist attractions to US tourists, travel agents and the media, as well as other players in the travel and tourism industry.

And Mr Silwamba said the Mission was committed to promoting Zambia as the prime destination for tourists and investors in Africa.

“I want to assure you that Ambassador Mwaba Kasese-Bota and the diplomatic staff at the Mission in New York continue to use every opportunity to market Zambian tourism. The Zambian Government leadership emphasizes the importance of economic diplomacy, and the need for us to leverage on the opportunities that New York, and indeed the UN, offers for us to promote the investment opportunities in Zambia to attract more investors and tourists.”

ZTB tourism promotions Manager Angela Chikumbi-Chimpinde and Ministry of Tourism and Arts acting principal tourism development and research officer Chilala Habasimbi were in the Zambian delegation to the three-day annual travel show.

The New York Times Travel Show attracts over 20, 000 travellers and industry professionals, at the famous Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City.