Zambia to host peace conference, expects increase in visitors

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is to hold the Third African Conference in Lusaka, Zambia from Feb. 6-11.  Themed “Tourism: Pathway to a Peaceful and Prosperous Africa,” the conference is set to bring together “leading government, industry, donor agency and NGO decision makers, leading educators and practitioners to debate and reach consensus on a 21st Century vision for African Tourism.” 

“To facilitate the development of strategic alliances and strategies to achieve that vision, as well as demonstrate elements of that vision with ‘success stories’ and models of ‘best practice’.

“To continue building a global awareness of Africa as a 21st Century destination.”

Among the expected conference highlights in the dedication of IIPT International Peace Park at Victoria Falls Livingstone.

IIPT’s conference will be held under the auspices of the government of the Republic of Zambia.  “The IIPT is being hosted in conjunction with Africa Travel Association,” Tourism Minister Patrick Kalifungwa told eTurboNews when asked about the conference in November 2004. 

Zambia’s tourism minister then noted the significance of the conference in the country’s bid to become more prominent in tourism.  “Peace is the key to tourism,” the minister, who is also the current chairman of the Africa Travel Association, said.

South African Airways has also signed on as a sponsor for the conference.

Meanwhile, Zambian Vice President Lupando Mwape, in a report to the Zambian parliament, projected that 38,585 tourists will visit Zambia this year, as a result of the Visit Zambia 2005 campaign and centenary celebrations. About 11,000 are expected to visit Livingstone for the centenary celebrations and that the private sector had been mobilized to market the Livingstone centenary celebrations, Zambia’s vice president said.

Vice President Mwape said growth of the tourism sector had been steady at 33,585 tourists per annum from 1992 to 2003 and that an additional 5000 tourists were expected this year given the Zambia National Tourist Board marketing strategies, local newspaper The Post reported.  

By Nelson Alcantara
LOS ANGELES (eTurboNews)

January 27, 2005   Posted in: Africa