The Zambian Minister of Tourism, Honorable Rodney Sikumba, held a meeting with the Chairman of the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), Dr. Joseph Kithitu and Nicanor Sabula – CEO, to discuss strategic collaborations aimed at boosting travel and tourism between Kenya and Zambia.
During the meeting, both parties explored opportunities to enhance outbound tourism from Kenya to Zambia, addressing key challenges such as visa regulations, border restrictions and the need for a seamless travel experience across Africa.
Minister Sikumba emphasized the importance of a unified approach to regional travel, stating, “Africa’s tourism industry has immense potential, but we must work together to make travel across the continent easier and more accessible.”
He also called on the private sector to invest in airport infrastructure, accommodation and health facilities to boost the tourism experience.
Kithitu says KATA aims to drive initiatives that enhance regional travel by advocating for better aviation policies, best practice, expanding tourism offerings beyond traditional safari and wildlife experiences and facilitating stronger business-to-business linkages between Kenyan and Zambian travel agencies.
KATA and the Zambian Ministry of Tourism have been engaging in high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral tourism partnerships. This visit builds on a previous meeting in Nairobi in June 2023, where KATA hosted a Zambian delegation led by Minister Sikumba to explore new strategies for marketing Zambia as a prime destination for Kenyan travelers.
KATA CEO, Nicanor Sabula, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to supporting tourism growth in Zambia, stating, “Our members are ready to collaborate with Zambian stakeholders to promote the country as a leading travel destination. Strengthening air connectivity and tourism infrastructure between our two nations will be key to unlocking new opportunities.”
The partnership aims to diversify tourism products beyond traditional safari and wildlife experiences, exploring unique attractions in both countries. By leveraging visa-free access and liberalizing the aviation industry, the collaboration seeks to make air travel more affordable and accessible, thereby boosting tourist flows.
This initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), aiming to enhance intra-African travel and economic integration. Both Kenya and Zambia are poised to benefit from increased tourist traffic, cultural exchange and strengthened economic ties resulting from this partnership.
Source : Zambia Ministry of Tourism
