Tourism Gets Policy Overhaul

Government says the regulatory and fiscal reforms are being implemented to attract investment and ensure sustainability in Zambia’s tourism sector.

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 – (21-09-2025)  - The government has announced a comprehensive overhaul of the Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 13 of 2015, aimed at reducing business costs, simplifying licensing, and aligning Zambia’s tourism industry with global standards. 

The reforms support government’s target to attract three million international visitors by 2025.

Speaking at the Star Grading Awards Ceremony in Lusaka, Tourism Minister Hon. Rodney Sikumba, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Evans Muhanga, said the revised law will introduce a single-window licensing system, provide fiscal incentives, and decentralize services to make the sector more competitive.

Mr. Muhanga emphasized that achieving the target of three million arrivals requires excellence across the tourism value chain — from hotels and lodges to tour guides, transport, safety, and hospitality. 

He said government, working through the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), will intensify training and certification to ensure frontline workers reflect Zambia’s standards.

He also cited the World Bank–supported Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Project (GREAT-TDP) as key to improving infrastructure, connectivity, and community participation. 

In addition, a National MICE Strategy is being finalized to position Zambia as a regional hub for business events.

On marketing, Muhanga noted global partnerships with BBC and Expedia and domestic drives like Take a Holiday Yamu Loko. 

However, he stressed that Zambia’s competitiveness will depend on service quality, not just advertising.

The Star Grading System, overseen by ZTA, ensures hospitality establishments meet international benchmarks. 

In the second quarter of 2025, the Zambia Tourism Agency awarded 34 accommodation establishments nationwide with official Star Grading, reaffirming its commitment to quality assurance and excellence in service delivery.

Muhanga reminded recipients that grading certificates are valid for two years and must be renewed, adding that enforcement will be balanced with technical support to help operators comply.

ZTA Board Chairperson, Mr. Daan Brink, said grading not only recognizes excellence but also drives continuous improvement.

“The Star Grading Ceremony reaffirms ZTA’s commitment to quality, compliance, and competitiveness. With over 50% of our target achieved, we are confident of grading 50 establishments by the end of 2025,” he said.

He added that grading, alongside campaigns such as Holiday Yamu Loko, is central to making Zambia a star-graded destination capable of attracting both international and domestic visitors.

Cabinet Office Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Mr. Kennedy Kalunga, representing Secretary to the Cabinet Mr. Patrick Kangwa, encouraged the private sector to continue investing in quality and standards to position Zambia in the high-value tourism market.

He urged operators to contribute to the ongoing review of the Tourism and Hospitality Act through position papers and impact assessments, saying industry input is vital to shaping practical and investment-friendly legislation.

Kalunga also highlighted Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as central to growth, urging proposals for projects such as lodge and road development near parks, joint marketing, and skills training.

Congratulating award winners, Kalunga said their achievements demonstrate Zambia’s potential as a competitive tourism destination, capable of generating foreign exchange, creating jobs, and supporting livelihoods, particularly for women and youth in rural areas.

The Star Grading Awards, hosted by the Zambia Tourism Agency, reaffirm the sector’s mandate to ensure quality standards and promote Zambia as a sustainable, globally competitive destination.