THE Government deserves recognition for the sustained gains in Zambia’s tourism sector, which has continued to show resilience and promise in the post-COVID period. The latest figures released by Minister of
Tourism Rodney Sikumba confirm that international tourist arrivals rose from 2.2 million in 2024 to 2.3 million in 2025, with a target of 2.5 million this year.
Domestic tourism also recorded growth, with visits to museums, national parks and heritage sites increasing by 4.4 percent. These numbers are evidence of a sector steadily finding its footing as a driver of national development.
Tourism, as a sector, is a serious engine for economic development, capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and diversifying the economy.
Already, direct employment in the sector has grown from 159,028 jobs in 2023 to 164,800 by the end of 2025.
These are livelihoods spread across hotels, travel agencies, airlines, restaurants and leisure activities – jobs that touch communities far beyond the mining belts and farm blocks. The sector’s expansion demonstrates that economic growth must not be confined to mining and agriculture alone. For too long, Zambia’s development narrative has leaned heavily on copper and to a lesser extent maize. Tourism offers a chance to broaden opportunity, to spread prosperity across regions, and to showcase the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the world.
The Government’s commitment to tourism is evident in the budgetary allocations. From K303.7 million in 2021, the ministry’s budget has grown to K1.3 billion in 2025, with K1.53 billion approved for 2026. This steady increase reflects seriousness in positioning tourism as a pillar of economic transformation. The funds have been directed toward marketing, infrastructure development, product innovation, and wildlife conservation.
Importantly, over US$20.4 million was invested in 2025 to strengthen protection and sustainable tourism development across priority protected areas. This is a clear recognition that conservation and tourism are inseparable.
The reduction in human-wildlife conflict – from 21,442 cases in 2022 to 16,512 in 2025 – is a commendable achievement. It shows that deliberate policies, coupled with community engagement and resource management, can balance human needs with wildlife protection.
The increased disbursements to community resource boards and traditional leaders – 132.2 percent and 163.6 percent respectively – further highlight inclusivity in resource governance. Tourism must be about people as much as it is about landscapes and wildlife.
Digitisation of licensing and wildlife services is another step forward. Modernising operations has helped the ministry improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility.
The call now is for more growth, more innovation and more inclusivity.
Tourism must be nurtured not as a side activity but as a central engine of economic growth. In many countries, tourism is the mainstay of the economy – sustaining millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to GDP. Nations such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa have built strong tourism industries that rival mining and agriculture in economic importance. Zambia has the same potential. With Victoria Falls, vast national parks, rich cultural traditions and hospitable people, the country has all the ingredients to make tourism a cornerstone of its economy.
The participation of locals in the sector is vital. Tourism is fast becoming an industry where Zambians themselves are active consumers and beneficiaries.
Affordable packages, improved transport networks and communitybased tourism initiatives are ensuring that citizens enjoy their own heritage while contributing to the sector’s growth.
As Zambia continues to push for economic diversification, tourism holds great promise. Mining and agriculture will remain important,
but they cannot alone sustain Zambia’s aspirations for inclusive growth. Tourism offers a pathway to broaden the economic base, reduce vulnerability to commodity price shocks, and empower communities across the country. The gains recorded so far are encouraging, but they must be consolidated and expanded.
Building on tourism gains for economic diversification
THE Government deserves recognition for the sustained gains in Zambia’s tourism sector, which has continued to show resilience and promise in the post-COVID period. The latest figures released by Minister of
Tourism Rodney Sikumba confirm that international tourist arrivals rose from 2.2 million in 2024 to 2.3 million in 2025, with a target of 2.5 million this year.
Domestic tourism also recorded growth, with visits to museums, national parks and heritage sites increasing by 4.4 percent. These numbers are evidence of a sector steadily finding its footing as a driver of national development.
Tourism, as a sector, is a serious engine for economic development, capable of creating jobs, generating revenue and diversifying the economy.
Already, direct employment in the sector has grown from 159,028 jobs in 2023 to 164,800 by the end of 2025.
These are livelihoods spread across hotels, travel agencies, airlines, restaurants and leisure activities – jobs that touch communities far beyond the mining belts and farm blocks. The sector’s expansion demonstrates that economic growth must not be confined to mining and agriculture alone. For too long, Zambia’s development narrative has leaned heavily on copper and to a lesser extent maize. Tourism offers a chance to broaden opportunity, to spread prosperity across regions, and to showcase the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage to the world.
The Government’s commitment to tourism is evident in the budgetary allocations. From K303.7 million in 2021, the ministry’s budget has grown to K1.3 billion in 2025, with K1.53 billion approved for 2026. This steady increase reflects seriousness in positioning tourism as a pillar of economic transformation. The funds have been directed toward marketing, infrastructure development, product innovation, and wildlife conservation.
Importantly, over US$20.4 million was invested in 2025 to strengthen protection and sustainable tourism development across priority protected areas. This is a clear recognition that conservation and tourism are inseparable.
The reduction in human-wildlife conflict – from 21,442 cases in 2022 to 16,512 in 2025 – is a commendable achievement. It shows that deliberate policies, coupled with community engagement and resource management, can balance human needs with wildlife protection.
The increased disbursements to community resource boards and traditional leaders – 132.2 percent and 163.6 percent respectively – further highlight inclusivity in resource governance. Tourism must be about people as much as it is about landscapes and wildlife.
Digitisation of licensing and wildlife services is another step forward. Modernising operations has helped the ministry improve efficiency, transparency and accessibility.
The call now is for more growth, more innovation and more inclusivity.
Tourism must be nurtured not as a side activity but as a central engine of economic growth. In many countries, tourism is the mainstay of the economy – sustaining millions of livelihoods and contributing significantly to GDP. Nations such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa have built strong tourism industries that rival mining and agriculture in economic importance. Zambia has the same potential. With Victoria Falls, vast national parks, rich cultural traditions and hospitable people, the country has all the ingredients to make tourism a cornerstone of its economy.
The participation of locals in the sector is vital. Tourism is fast becoming an industry where Zambians themselves are active consumers and beneficiaries.
Affordable packages, improved transport networks and communitybased tourism initiatives are ensuring that citizens enjoy their own heritage while contributing to the sector’s growth.
As Zambia continues to push for economic diversification, tourism holds great promise. Mining and agriculture will remain important,
but they cannot alone sustain Zambia’s aspirations for inclusive growth. Tourism offers a pathway to broaden the economic base, reduce vulnerability to commodity price shocks, and empower communities across the country. The gains recorded so far are encouraging, but they must be consolidated and expanded.