TOURISM MINISTER ANSWERS FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS AFTER STATEMENT

 Zambia’s tourism sector took centre stage in Parliament today as Tourism Minister Hon. Rodney Sikumba, MP, responded to a wide range of questions that cut across revenue, airports, wildlife protection, and the future of domestic tourism after giving a ministerial statement on the tourism sector from 2021-2025. 

 It all began with a question from the Solwezi Central MP, who wanted to know whether government plans to use natural resources such as rivers to boost national revenue. Minister Sikumba didn’t hesitate: “The strategy already exists,” he said confidently. 

He pointed out Zambia’s natural advantage - more than 400 waterfalls scattered across the country, many still untapped and waiting to be integrated into well-planned tourism circuits. 

 Kantanshi MP quickly commended him for the progress recorded so far. 

 Infrastructure concerns also surfaced. The Lundazi MP raised worries about human–animal conflict and the slow development of Chipata Airport. Minister Sikumba clarified that the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, under Hon. Frank Tayali, has already laid out a timeline of ongoing airport works, including Kasama and Nakonde, and assured Parliament that Chipata Airport remains a strategic priority without giving a clear roadmap. 

 When the Chikankata MP asked for clarity on Zambia’s tourist categories and expenditure trends, the Minister broke it down plainly. 

Zambia currently hosts three major types of travellers: FIT (Free Independent Travellers) who come for leisure and nature experiences. Business tourists, a strong driver of tourism income. Special-interest visitors who attend cultural festivals, wildlife activities, and conferences. 

 He added that an average tourist spends 3.5 days in Zambia and spends about US$500 per trip, a figure government hopes to grow through improved tourism products and marketing. Wildlife protection also came under scrutiny. 

The Nyimba MP pressed for details, prompting the Minister to reveal that government has bolstered partnerships with conservation agencies to safeguard national parks and Game Management Areas. 

To strengthen on-ground protection, the Ministry has procured 30 Land Cruiser vehicles for ranger mobility. Recruitment of more rangers, he said, will begin once Treasury gives the clearance. 

 Domestic tourism a rising star in Zambia’s tourism narrative -featured strongly. Responding to Mwense MP’s question on how to improve tracking of internal tourism flows, Minister Sikumba announced a major digital shift. Working with the Ministry of Science and Technology and mobile network operators, government will begin identifying domestic travellers who leave their homes and spend more than 24 hours at tourism destinations. He quickly gave an assurance that the system will not monitor personal details, but will simply generate accurate data to show how Zambians move for tourism. "We will not be intrusive. All we want is a number, and where," said Sikumba. 

 Bangweulu MP then sought clarity on investment in Samfya Beach and support for domestic tourism. The Minister explained that visits to heritage sites, museums, and national parks are rising. 

However, current reporting tools understate this growth hence the shift to digital monitoring through telecom innovations. He insisted that domestic tourism is already experiencing strong momentum, driven by cultural festivals such as Nc’wala and the Kuomboka Ceremony, which are pulling Zambians across provinces in large numbers. 

 JUST TO UNLOCK YOUR MIND 

 Zambia’s tourism story is shifting. For years, the sector relied heavily on international visitors, but the minister’s responses reveal a broader strategy: Use natural wonders - from rivers to over 400 waterfalls - as revenue pillars. Modernise airports, including long-awaited works at Chipata. Protect wildlife with boots, wheels, and stronger enforcement. 

 Count the real number of domestic travellers, many of whom are invisible in the current system. 

 If done right, Zambia’s tourism sector could evolve from a seasonal attraction to a year-round economic powerhouse - fueled not just by foreign tourists, but by Zambians themselves exploring their own country. 

 [Brave Heart News | Unlocking Minds].