Explore Zambia, Boost Local Tourism

Triple M Receives Yamu Loko Package as Artists and Tourism Stakeholders Champion Domestic Travel

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

LUSAKA, Zambia24 – 20 November 2025 — Zambia’s 2025 Musician of the Year, Triple M, has officially received the Yamu Loko local tourism experience package in a ceremony hosted by the Zambia Man of the Year Awards (ZMOTY) in partnership with the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) and private-sector operators. 

The initiative is designed to boost domestic tourism by engaging influential creatives who can authentically showcase Zambia’s natural and cultural attractions.

ZMOTY Chief Executive Officer Chanda Kangwa said the handover symbolizes a strategic partnership that blends national identity, cultural pride, and tourism development.

“This moment represents partnership, vision, and nation-building through creativity,” Kangwa said.

He emphasized that ZMOTY’s collaboration with ZTA is rooted in a shared belief that music and tourism are powerful tools that shape Zambia’s cultural identity. He reminded attendees that music often carries Zambia’s stories into global spaces beyond the reach of traditional advertising.

“You are not just making hits—you are shaping the sound of a generation,” Kangwa told Triple M. “A single viral track can spark curiosity, inspire travel, or put a destination on the map.”

Kangwa explained that the tourism experience package will give Triple M an opportunity to explore some of Zambia’s most remarkable destinations, positioning him as a genuine ambassador for domestic tourism. He added that experiencing the country firsthand is essential to authentic storytelling.

“Experiencing our country is not just a holiday—it is an investment in storytelling and national pride,” Kangwa said, thanking ZTA for strengthening a partnership that promotes both tourism and creative excellence.

Green Safaris Director of Marketing Laureen Summers said the company remains committed to promoting purposeful and sustainable travel, beginning with encouraging Zambians to explore their own country. She said domestic tourism reinforces national identity, supports conservation, and uplifts local communities.

“Travel, when done thoughtfully, can be a force for good,” Summers said. She noted that many Zambians have not yet visited some of the nation’s most breathtaking attractions.

Summers highlighted destinations such as the Busanga Plains, the Zambezi River, Kafue National Park, Liuwa Plain, and the Lower Zambezi, emphasizing that domestic travel directly contributes to conservation programs, community livelihoods, and cultural tourism initiatives.

“Every trip taken within Zambia helps communities thrive and protects the wild spaces that define us,” she said.

Summers said Green Safaris ensures that its lodges are managed by Zambian professionals and invests heavily in staff training, leadership development, and international exposure. She explained that empowering local talent helps tourism revenue stay within Zambia and strengthens long-term capacity in the sector.

She reiterated Green Safaris’ commitment to sustainability, citing the company’s use of solar-powered camps, eco-friendly construction materials, and low-impact building techniques designed to preserve fragile ecosystems.

As part of its domestic tourism strategy, Summers announced that Triple M will serve as Green Safaris’ new ambassador for local travel. She said his popularity, especially among young people, is expected to inspire more Zambians to explore the country.

“We are excited for Triple M to join us as an ambassador for Zambia tourism,” she said. “We hope this trip inspires unforgettable memories and shows more Zambians what makes our country truly remarkable.”

Summers added that Triple M’s tour of Green Safaris properties—including Livingstone Island—will highlight how sustainable tourism and community-focused hospitality create meaningful travel experiences.

She said domestic tourism has the potential to uplift communities, protect wildlife habitats, and reinforce Zambia’s unique place in global travel. She also pointed to the company’s fleet of silent safari vehicles, solar-powered camps, and environmentally friendly building techniques as proof of its sustainability leadership. Some Zambian staff, she added, have undergone advanced training in the Netherlands.

“What matters most to us is stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and a brighter future for Zambian tourism,” Summers said.

ZTA Chief Marketing Officer Amanda Mwendaweli Chipungu said tourism remains a vital contributor to Zambia’s GDP, job creation, and cultural preservation. 

She announced that the Yamu Loko domestic tourism campaign—launched on September 12 and running until the end of February—has recorded more than 200 bookings and partnered with 150 tourism operators nationwide who are offering discounted travel experiences.

“Zambia is a beautiful country, and we want more citizens to explore it,” Chipungu said. She added that music plays a crucial promotional role because it reflects cultural identity and reaches diverse audiences.

Chipungu said domestic tourism fuels job creation, noting that spending on accommodation, food, transport, and entertainment directly benefits local communities.

She stressed that Zambia’s attractions extend far beyond Victoria Falls. 

“There are hidden gems everywhere, and we want people of all ages to discover and share these experiences,” she said.

Through the Yamu Loko campaign, selected influencers are visiting key tourism sites to tell Zambia’s story authentically. 

Public engagement activities include weekly trivia competitions offering travel vouchers, discounted dining and nightlife packages, and the “Winner Christmas” grand draw—a televised December event that will award an all-expenses-paid holiday for five at Chichele Presidential Lodge.

Chipungu urged Zambians to take advantage of travel discounts across accommodation, restaurants, transport services, and adventure activities such as bungee jumping and the Devil’s Pool, which remains open due to early rains.

She also revealed that ZTA has contracted an influencer marketing agency to identify and manage leading digital storytellers who will promote strategic tourism sites. “They will help us select people who can tell the story right and manage them on our behalf,” she said.

Chipungu encouraged Triple M to amplify the campaign through storytelling during his travels and urged the public to explore the country and contribute to the domestic tourism value chain.

“Tourism is a major employer. When tourists travel, they spend on hotels, food, transport and entertainment—this supports livelihoods,” she said.

Triple M expressed gratitude for the honour, saying the experience will deepen his appreciation of Zambia’s natural beauty and cultural richness while inspiring new artistic expression.

The ceremony concluded with a photo session involving ZMOTY officials, ZTA representatives, Green Safaris, and other partners. Organizers encouraged the public to fully engage with the Yamu Loko campaign as Zambia seeks to establish itself as a top-tier tourism destination.

Green Safaris reiterated its call for stronger support for domestic tourism, emphasizing that increased local travel is essential for conservation, community development, and the continued growth of Zambia’s tourism sector.