The Zambia Tourism Board sponsored the Africa Travel and Tourism Association networking event at Riverside Studios on the banks of River Thames on July 16, 2014.
The event was attended by 103 tour operators, airline representatives and media. The event is a prominent event on the tourism calendar for specialist operators that are selling Africa. Donald Pelekamoyo – responsible for the UK market paid tribute to the UK Travel trade for their resilience and commitment to selling Zambia which had continued to record growth in departures to Zambia.
The Zambia High Commission was represented by the Acting Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Ikayi Mushinge and other officers who included the Defense Attache Brigadier General Shimala, First Secretary – Press Amos Chanda and First Secretary – Immigration, Alice Shanshima.
In her remarks, the Acting Deputy High Commissioner thanked the tour operators for their efforts in selling Zambia as a tourism destination in the United Kingdom and highlighted that Zambia had experienced a phenomena of at least 80 per cent of return visits and longer stays from tourists that had visited Zambia. The Acting Deputy High Commissioner indicated that the Zambia High Commission was fully committed to supporting efforts to promote Zambian tourism. She also reported that Zambia’s policy towards conservation remained steadfast in order that visitors and indeed Zambia’s could enjoy their endowment.
Mrs. Mushinge also took the opportunity to announce Zambia’s celebration of 50 years of Independence and invited guests to participate in the many events that the High Commission would be hosting in the course of the year.
Several guests lauded the efforts that Zambia had made in her efforts to promote tourism in the United Kingdom and other source markets. Many guests gave kudos to Zambia and the ATTA for a well-organized event. A prize draw was also held where the winner won a trip for two to Sausage Tree Lodge in the Lower Zambezi National Park and two nights in Livingstone as well as a branded safari shirt from Zambia Tourism Board.
The event went a long way in raising the profile of Zambia amongst the travel trade and media and also gave a good opportunity for networking and gathering of useful insights for the future promotion of Zambian tourism.
The database will also be used to target key tour operators for future promotional activities in the United Kingdom. The office intends to host a similar occasion as part of the Jubilee celebrations which will include renowned guest speakers from the travel industry.
