Tourism in Zambia taking off

In the past three years, Zambia has recorded a nearly 300% increase in international tourist arrivals, following the removal of visa fees

- Reginald Ntomba

Boom: It's not only international tourists travelling in Zambia, locals are exploring too. Photo: Zambia Tourism Agency

(Zambia Tourism Agency)

A 2022 cabinet directive to Zambia's government agencies to actively bid to host major international events is bearing fruit for the hospitality sector, with the Lusaka and Livingstone hosting of global conferences in recent months.

The influx of international delegates has provided a much-needed boost to hotels, conference venues and other tourism-related businesses, indicating recovery and opportunities for growth after the Covid-19 pandemic.

For 2026, the country has secured the hosting the African Marketing Confederation Conference, the African ICT Conference and the Africa Supply Chain Conference, all of which will take place in Livingstone, and bring in about 2000 delegates.

According to data released in July by the tourism ministry, hotel occupancy has risen, with hotels in Livingstone reporting 70% occupancy. The national average is 55%, compared with 40% pre-2023.