Northern Province Standards Officer Fridah Banda has called on the private sector in the province to invest in the tourism industry and help government revamp it.
Ms. Banda observed that with the help of the private players, the tourism industry in the region would be made more viable and competitive.
“The private sector should take keen interest in the tourism industry to help government market the industry.
“So we are calling on the sector to join hands with government in its quest to improve road networks in the region as improved road infrastructure will enhance accessibility to the tourist sites,” said Ms. Banda.
She further encouraged transport operators in the province to venture into the tourism industry if their businesses were to boom.
Ms. Banda said Zambia was endowed with numerous tourists’ attractions in the Northern circuit, but that they continued to record low visits due to challenges in accessing their locations.
She also bemoaned the lack of adequate accommodation facilities especially at the Chishimba Falls in Kasama and Kalambo Falls in Mbala.
“If you invite a tourist from, for example the United Kingdom (UK) to come and see the Chishimba Falls, where are they going to sleep?” She wondered.
She challenged the local business community to invest in areas surrounding these tourist sites in order to increase traffic to the attractions.
“We need local investors who are willing to set up businesses to improve the tourism industry through construction of high quality accommodation facilities around these tourist sites,” said Ms. Banda.