Nkunika implores hospitality players to double up efforts

————Northern Province Permanent Secretary Hlobotha Nkunika has implored players in the hospitality industry to double their efforts in improving their business houses if they are to attract many tourists.

Mr Nkunika said it was time lodge owners perfected their premises and provided quality services to attract tourists and eventually ripe good money.

He said the PF government has already embarked on a serious venture to open up the areas such as Kasaba bay that have several tourist attractions by putting a good road infrastructure and installing electricity.

He said this in a speech read on his  behalf  by Northern Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Alfred Sakala  during the  official opening of  a 10 day training  workshop  organized by the Hotels  and Catering  Association of Zambia  at Kings guest House in Kasama today.

Mr Nkunika said Northern circuit should become an alternative tourist’s  destination apart from Livingstone.

He stressed the need to have well qualified staff that is dedicated to providing quality services to the guests.

Mr Nkunika cited the improved   infrastructure at Lumangwe and Kabwelume water falls in Mporokoso District that needs qualified staff to operate the places and welcome the visitors so that  they can stay longer in the area.

And speaking earlier, Northern Province   HCAZ   Chairperson   Jailous Simunyola praised government for providing funds to the trainers of the  hospitality industry staff in Northern Province.

Mr. Simunyola said the workshop has come at a good time when Zambia is co- hosting the World Tourism Organisation conference.

He lamented that for along time the tourism industry has had few trained staff resulting in the provision of compromised services.

The 10 Days Workshop is being facilitated by Hotels and Tourism Training Institute Trust.