Tourism Boost: 36 Hotels Earn Stars!
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 – (10 September 2025) – Thirty-six hotel and lodge establishments across Zambia have officially earned star grading certificates under the 2024 Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) hotel classification programme — a bold step towards raising hospitality standards and boosting the nation’s international tourism appeal.
Speaking during the star grading award ceremony held at Urban Hotel in Lusaka, Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary Evans Muhanga, who represented Minister Rodney Sikumba, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving service delivery in the tourism sector.
“The grading system promotes uniformity and quality across all establishments,” Muhanga said.
“Tourists expect the same standards wherever they book,” he added.
He emphasized that the star grading exercise is a vital component in Zambia’s strategy to become a competitive global tourist destination, with reliable and world-class service standards.
Muhanga underscored that tourism continues to be a key pillar in the country’s economic transformation and job creation agenda.
“We are determined to harness its full potential by ensuring services across the tourism value chain meet acceptable international standards,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of partnerships, Muhanga stressed that raising standards in the tourism industry requires a multi-stakeholder approach.
A“This industry thrives on partnerships and shared responsibility. Everyone in the tourism value chain must play a role,” he stated.
He cited examples of critical service shortfalls—such as poor water pressure, dirty bathrooms, and poor hygiene standards—as areas needing urgent attention.
“Substandard services reflect poorly on the entire sector and discourage repeat visits,” he cautioned.
Muhanga also emphasized the necessity of capacity building and professional development in the hospitality workforce.
“We must prioritize human capital development. A skilled workforce is central to achieving quality service delivery,” he added.
Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) Chief Executive Officer Matongo Matamwandi said the grading exercise is part of an ongoing national effort to uplift standards and professionalism in hospitality.
He disclosed that ZTA aims to increase the number of graded facilities to at least 50 by 2025, highlighting that the process will remain transparent and fair.
“Grading helps us to offer reliable information to tourists and tour operators while holding hospitality players accountable for the services they provide,” Matamwandi explained.
He stressed that Zambia’s hospitality industry must maintain world-class service levels to compete with well-established regional destinations such as South Africa and Kenya.
Matamwandi encouraged establishments yet to be assessed to voluntarily participate in the grading process to enhance market credibility.
He revealed that Zambia recorded over 2.2 million tourist arrivals in 2023, and projections for 2024 indicate a continued upward trajectory.
“The star grading system will support our efforts to improve the country's tourism image, increase visitor satisfaction, and encourage repeat visits,” he said.
Matamwandi praised the 36 certified establishments that met the stringent criteria, saying they had set a benchmark for excellence in the sector.
“This is not just a recognition of achievement; it’s a call to maintain and exceed these standards,” he said, noting that the grading process assessed room quality, reception areas, sanitation, staff professionalism, and customer experience.
Also speaking at the ceremony, ZTA representative Andrew Mwiinga outlined the agency’s ambitious goal of attracting 2.2 million international tourists by 2025, a vision tied closely to the success of the grading program.
“Star grading is more than a statutory requirement; it builds market trust and attracts investment,” Mwiinga said.
He stressed that the initiative is not just about compliance but about elevating Zambia’s global competitiveness in the tourism industry.
Mwiinga confirmed that 50 establishments are scheduled to be graded in 2024 and expressed confidence that the target will be met, citing growing compliance awareness among hospitality providers.
“This ceremony marks significant progress in tourism recovery post-COVID-19. Quality services are critical in attracting and retaining visitors,” he said.
The 36 certified establishments, which include hotels, lodges, and guesthouses located across Lusaka, Copperbelt, Southern, Eastern, and North-Western Provinces, received star ratings ranging from one to five stars based on the quality and range of services provided.
The recognition was conducted under Statutory Instrument No. 14 of 2018, which provides the legal framework for hotel classification in Zambia.
Tourism Council of Zambia (TCZ) Chairperson Yosuf Zumla has called on stakeholders in the country’s tourism industry to embrace sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity to boost Zambia’s standing as a top African destination.
Zumla commended professionals for their role in improving tourism standards and enhancing Zambia’s international image.
He stressed the importance of integrating environmental responsibility and community empowerment into tourism operations, noting that these elements are essential for long-term growth.
“As we look to the future, we must commit to sustainable and inclusive practices that protect our environment and benefit local communities,” Zumla said.
The tourism sector, highlighted as a priority under Zambia’s 8th National Development Plan, is viewed as a key contributor to economic diversification.
International tourist arrivals increased by 22% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Tourism.
Zumla urged continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the delivery of memorable experiences for visitors and to position Zambia as a beacon of tourism on the continent.
Mwiinga reaffirmed ZTA’s collective commitment to building a competitive, high-quality tourism sector, in line with Zambia’s broader Tourism Development Strategy.
He said the goal is to position Zambia as a leading tourism hub in the region, leveraging its rich cultural heritage, abundant wildlife, and diverse natural landscapes.
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