Zambia to Host 1,500 Global Tourism Stakeholders



ZATEX 2026 to Bring International Buyers, Investors and Tourism Operators to Lusaka as Zambia Pushes for Expanded Market Access and Investment Growth

Lusaka. Zambia24, June 2, 2026 — Zambia is set to host more than 1,500 tourism industry stakeholders this week as the country moves to expand its international tourism market share and attract new investment through the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX) 2026.

According to (ZTA), the annual tourism trade exhibition will run from June 4 to 6 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. It is expected to bring together international buyers, investors, tourism operators and industry leaders from Africa, Europe, Asia and North America.

ZTA Manager for Communication and Corporate Affairs said preparations for the country’s flagship tourism exhibition had been completed, with participation targets surpassed amid strong interest from both local and international stakeholders.

“ZATEX has evolved into an important platform for connecting Zambian tourism enterprises with international markets,” Mwape said. “The strong response from exhibitors, hosted buyers and industry partners reflects growing confidence in Zambia’s tourism offering and the country’s potential as a destination for investment, travel and business events.”

Acting ZTA Chief Executive Officer said more than 100 exhibitors had confirmed participation, including tourism operators, hotels, destination marketing organisations and service providers. The expo will also feature 24 small and medium-sized enterprises drawn from Zambia’s tourism value chain and other African countries.

A key feature of ZATEX 2026 is the hosted buyer programme, which will bring about 35 international buyers from key source markets, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Japan, Ghana, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.

ZTA said the programme is expected to generate business opportunities for local tourism enterprises through direct engagements with international travel buyers and tour operators, while strengthening Zambia’s visibility in global markets.

“By bringing global buyers directly to Zambia, we are creating opportunities for local operators to showcase their products, establish partnerships and access international distribution networks,” Shansonga said. “This is critical to increasing tourism arrivals, visitor spending and investment into the sector.”

Held under the theme “Building Sustainable and Authentic Tourism Through Partnerships,” the expo will focus on collaboration between government, the private sector, local communities, investors and development partners to support sustainable tourism growth.

The first two days of the event will be dedicated to business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, knowledge-sharing forums and discussions on tourism investment and industry development.

The expo will conclude with a Consumer Day on June 6, allowing members of the public to engage directly with tourism businesses and explore domestic travel opportunities, holiday packages and tourism products available across the country.

Mwape urged Zambians to participate in the programme, describing domestic tourism as an important driver of sector growth.

“Consumer Day provides an opportunity for Zambians to engage directly with tourism businesses, learn about travel opportunities and experience the richness and diversity of our destination,” she said.

ZTA said it views ZATEX as a strategic platform for promoting Zambia as a tourism destination, stimulating trade within the sector and attracting investment in line with the country’s broader economic development objectives.

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