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The
Zambia Success Story
...
by
Jerry W. Bird
What
an amazing country!
The
ATA 28th International Congress was a Double Header
- or what American humorist Al Capp would have
called a "Double Whammy" in terms of excitement,
anticipation, enthusiasm, networking opportunities
and the magic of serendipity! Zambia's outstanding
success as a host country has laid a firm
foundation for future marketing achievements across
North America and beyond. Both Lusaka and
Livingstone lived up to their advance billing as
host cities by way of hospitality, attractions,
location and guest facilities. The Zambia National
Tourist Office operated as true professionals, from
their pre event tour of the USA, to the day we said
good-bye at Lusaka International
Airport.
Mighty
Mosi-O-Tunya, " the smoke that thunders,"
was an awesome sight, and our travels on the
Zambezi river beyond Victoria Falls by canoe
safari, motor launch, car ferries and the African
Queen, left an impression we will remember vividly
and talk about for years. Our ATA delegates
experienced two great destinations in one country,
many enjoying post congress tours and safaris. One
factor that stood out in my mind immediately, was
the wide selection of quality operators,
representing wilderness camps, lodges and game
reserves throughout the land, once known as
Northern Rhodesia. Thanks to the Zambia National
Tourism Office, we had the opportunity of visiting
several camps and game lodges, with such musical
names as Chaminuka, Protea, Mfuwe, Kanyemba and
Chiawa. We also enjoyed the hospitality of Zambians
in their homes, including dinner with Alexis and
Maria, owners of Alendo Travel, Tours and Car
Hire in Lusaka.
Zambia's
President active at ATA Congress. Featured in SADC
14 Nation Heads of State
Edition
Lusaka: ATA's 28th International Congress in Zambia
was opened by President H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa, who
later welcomed delegates at the State House in
Lusaka.Photo (left to right) H.E. Martin Brennan,
U.S. Ambassador to Zambia; Ms. Mira Berman,
Executive Director, ATA; Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji,
Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism,
Tanzania, and ATA President; H.E. Levy P.
Mwanawasa, President, Republic of Zambia
Profiles
of Zambia in World
Media
Africa
Travel Magazine's Zambia "Success Story" will
continue to grow in length and depth all year, as
our reams of notes, treasured photos and mementos
become transformed into words and pictures for
broadcast, print and Internet media. The message
(below)
from Zambia's genial Minister of Tourism and
Natural Resources, Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa
(right)sets the stage for "Ethno Tourism." His warm
personality combined with his ministry staff's
dedication, won friends and influenced people
before, during and after the congress. These
efforts signal greater rewards to come for Zambia
Tourism, as ATA members spread the word about this
exciting destination near and far.
For
starters, Africa Travel Magazine has showcased
Zambia Tourism in its prestigious 14-Nation SADC
Heads of State Summit issue this August. Inside
the attractive cover is a 32 page insert, plus
photo highlights from the ATA 28th Congress In
Lusaka and Livingstone. The special SADC issue
mentions President H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa's
panel on Air Transportation. Zambia will also shine
like a star in Africa Travel Magazine's 7th
Cultural and Ecotourism issue in December, one
of the year's biggest editions. Also covered is the
2nd IIPT-ATA Africa Peace Through Tourism
Conference in Dar es Salaam.
Zambia
Adventures in Travel
Africa
Travel Magazine's Zambia Story will appear in our
"Africa Adventures in Travel" special that
debuts, January 2004 in New York and February 2004
in Chicago, at two of America's largest Adventure
Travel Expos. Speaking of adventure, our entire
month in Zambia was nonstop action, including a
"Lower Zambezi River Safari" at Riccardo
Garbaccio's Kanyemba Camp. Just picture our
editors skimming the river's surface in three
fiberglass canoes, dipping our oars deep in the
water like old time Voyageurs, dodging hordes of
snorting hippos that resembled islands of 'blubber
and eyeballs' ... floating menacingly on the
Zambezi surface,as hungry crocodiles lurked near
the grassy shore. You wouldn't care to fall
overboard during this three- hour super adventure.
A kinder, gentler river excursion took place above
Victoria Falls near Livingstone, as our entire
troop boarded the African Queen and Zambezi Queen
riverboats, where we were royally entertained.
During the cruise we viewed a typical Zambian
sunset that lit the sky like few others I've seen,
and in an instant the moon and stars appeared as if
ordered by a stage director.
Photo
(above): Some of the many animals encountered on a
typical wildlife drive at Chiawa camp on the
Lower Zambezi. We enjoyed similar game drives at
Kanyemba on the Lower Zambezi, and
Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park. Game was
plentiful where we stayed at Protea Lodge
and Cheminuka near Lusaka. The sequence
below is from Mfuwe Lodge, a Bushcamps
Company.
Game
drives were a key part of the action at the lodges
we visited, and that made each stay a true learning
experience. Guides and drivers were well schooled
in the seemingly endless variety of flora and fauna
and knew each name, every footprint in the sand.
Yes, we had anxious moments for several days
running, with our vehicle stopped in the midst of a
herd of elephants. We expected at least one of them
to charge, but managed to luck out. More than once
our safari vehicle was parked within twenty feet of
a (seemingly) sleeping lion. Here in Zambia, safari
guests can view most of the Big Five up close,
along with a wide variety of game animals, impalas
and their cousins being the most prolific.
Mfuwe
Lodge School Project
Andy
Hogg, Managing Director of
Mfuwe Lodge
in South Luangwa National Park is not only a superb
host, he is devoted to a great
cause.
In 1999, The Bushcamp Company and Mfuwe Trails set
up a project whose aim is to become involved with
the local communities by supporting education. The
key project, involved Chiwawatala Primary School in
the Mfuwe area and Chilongozi School, in a remote
area close to their bushcamps. details.
Close
to Chiwawatala
school,
near Mfuwe Airport, is a factory that produces some
of the finest tapestries and wearable art I have
seen in my travels. Projects like this, plus
American Students
for Peace
and Miracle
Corners of the
World
are signs of a new generation taking positive
action.
Flightseeing
in Southern Africa Skies
Zambia
is a great place to get around, looks impressive
from a seat in the clouds, and is well served by
its scheduled and chartered airlines. At Lusaka
International airport we spent a good part of a day
meeting with the airport authority and with
Charles Tembo of Zambian airways, a company
that is making great strides. A lady who
contributed greatly to our trip, the flight to and
from Mfuwe in south Luangwa in particular, was
Christabella Mwansa (above) of
Airwaves
Aviation. Since Airwaves flies fly to many places
of interest, we left a generous supply of magazines
in her capable hands for distribution. Thanks to
Christabella, personal copies were delivered by air
to managers at event the most remote camps.
Zambia's
Famous Doors of
Hospitality:
One
of the standout personalities on our tour was
Julie Limpic (left) of Jul's Guest House and
Vehicle Rental Service in Lusaka. While staying at
Jul's first class facilities, we met her son Trevor
and enjoyed several interviews in her office. What
is truly impressive in terms of enterprise and in
initiative, is how she built the business in
Zambia. Proof of her untiring effort and creativity
were apparent in two prestigious awards and
trophies she received for outstanding achievement
in the business community and travel tourism
sector. What made me especially pleased and proud
to have been in her company was that Jul was there
at the Lusaka International airport to see us
off.
The
Lusaka InterContinental Hotel proved to be
an ideal congress headquarters, as did
Livingstone's Zambezi Sun Resort. The food
at Lusaka's Holiday Inn earned well deserved
praise. As a touch of Zambia hospitality the
manager welcomes guests from the hotel, plus local
and visiting business community, with a cocktail
party. On two Wednesdays in a row, we won the lucky
draw. I am pleased to say, the Real Africa and its
people won our hearts completely.Dev
Malhotra, General Manager of Lusaka's Taj
Pamodzi Hotel and his team, including Sales Manager
Martha N. Namwinga, (above right) hosted a "
bon voyage" dinner in our honor.
Doris
Shupekile Kofi (left) of Zambia's National
Tourism Board was a special guest, and for good
reason. She was our key contact for the entire
period and did a superb job. Prior to becoming a
publisher, I worked in public relations for decades
with governments, industry associations and world
class corporate clients, and rank Doris among the
tops in many
respects.
Speaking
of quality facilities and service, this fall when
we hope to return, the Taj Pamodzi will have
already completed its extensive renovations
program. The following morning, after close to a
month combining congress business and social
activities, tours on the country's highways,
skyways and waterways, and meeting new friends, we
said good-bye to Zambia, vowing to return soon and
often. I am sure many ATA congress delegates were
equally impressed with the hospitality, attractions
and facilities.
On
the journey we sampled every type of lodging,
from Caesar's The Emperor Casino Hotel at
Jo'burg Airport, to Lusaka's Inter-Continental
Hotel, the Holiday Inn, Taj Pamodzi Hotel, the
multifaceted Mulungushi Village complex,
Chita Lodge and Jul's Guest House. At
Livingstone, we stayed at Sun International's
Zambezi Sun - a stone's throw from the mighty
falls. Wildlife Lodges we enjoyed included
Chaminuka and Protea in the Lusaka area, Kanyemba
and Chiawa (tented camp) on the Lower Zambezi, and
Mfuwe Lodge in South Luangwa National Park near the
Malawi border.
Capturing
Zambia's Colorful
History:
We spent several hours of quality time with the
management at the Lusaka Museum, which has a
major development financing, expansion and
enhancement program underway. On the spacious
grounds surrounding the building and on its display
floors, this site will be transformed into a true
"people place" - one of Southern Africa's prime
attractions. This impressive museum building is
part of a modern complex that's indicative of
what's happening in this progressive city. Recent
history, when Zambia was known as Northern Rhodesia
is carefully documented, ethnic artifacts and
paintings abound, and a variety of local arts and
crafts are displayed to attract visitors. Other
facilities we plan to visit next time are the
Livingstone Monument, the Von Lettow Vorbeck
Memorial and the Railway Museum in the town of
Livingstone
Lifelong
Learning
Experience
One
powerful lesson I've learned in the last decade
with this magazine, is that once an African country
hosts one of our prestige events, many doors start
to open. This occurs in America, Europe and beyond
as our web site of over 1,100 pages expands its
reach and influence. As positive achievers say,
"good news travels fast," and with our team it
happens even more swiftly, thanks to ATA's active
chapters, focused media support and powerful
industry partnerships. Working closely with
the
Africa Travel
Association,
often as co-hosts, are such organizations as ASTA,
ARTA, RETOSA, the United States Tour Operators
Association, Corporate Council for Africa, World
Tourism Organization, World Ecotourism Society and
the International Institute for Peace Through
Tourism. How successful was the event? Many of us
gave it a 10. We've added several pages of Zambia
ATA Congress
Highlights,
which may be viewed now or later.
Photo
(above): Editor (center) with delegates from South
Africa and Guinea, Louis D'amore, IIPT second from
left.
On the
Road Again ...
In summary, our memorable, month-long, marathon
tour into the heart of Southern Africa was filled
with moments to remember.
We
flew via Cathay Pacific Airlines from Vancouver,
Canada to JFK International, New York
City.
...
via South African Airlines to Johannesburg, SA and
Lusaka, Zambia.
...
via Airlink Charter to Livingstone- Victoria
Falls.
...
via Airwaves Cessna to South Luangwa National Park,
Zambia.
...
and return via SAA, with business stopovers in
Johannesburg and New York.
In
between, we participated in one of the most
spirited, productive and fruitful (ATA) Congresses
to date - where the focus was on "Ethno Tourism-
and its role in Job Creation." This was the first
ATA event to be held at two separate venues, which
kept us all on the go. We made more great friends
this trip than any time in the past (the local
people are terrific) and we will enjoy telling
their stories in words and pictures in our coming
editions of Africa Travel Magazine in print, on
radio and on this web site.
Bring
on the
encore!
The
Editors
Read
highlights of the ATA Congress in
Zambia
Footnotes
Remembering
Zambia's Historic Moment. Muguette Goufrani
echoes my sentiments about Zambia, when she
says,"Of all mail we've received in eight years at
Africa Travel Magazine, and keepsakes from my
career as travel professional in Africa and around
the world, one beautifully engraved invitation
(left) has special significance. It was from the
Zambian Embassy inviting us to attend the country's
official Independence ceremonies. We were living in
Cote d'Ivoire at the time, I worked for Air Afrique
and my mother was with the US Embassy. We
gratefully accepted Zambia's invitation and helped
celebrate that landmark in Africa's history. The
hospitality we shared that day encouraged me to
visit Zambia two years later. This year has been my
encore - a rendezvous with many friends in
Zambia. We are planning a RETURN TRIP and hoping to
encourage as many ATA members and guests to
accompany us as possible.
From
the Minister: "Dear ATA Delegates. I extend to
you all the warmth and friendliness of the people
of Zambia. In particular I welcome you to Lusaka,
the Capital City and Livings tone, the Tourist and
Adventure Capital of Zambia, home of the Victoria-
a must see falls - and the 28th African
Travel Association Congress. Travel dynamics have
placed responsibilities on the traveler to not only
derive maximum satisfaction from a destination
visited but also to ensure that the visit is
beneficial to the host community and takes care of
future needs. Therefore this year's theme;
"Ethno-Tourism: A key to sustainable development
and job creation", seeks to encourage destinations
to utilize their cultural heritage for the
sustained livelihoods of their rural or indigenous
people. Africa has a unique and diverse cultural
heritage which if well exploited can give an added
appeal to the region.
I
am aware of you tight program. However, your visit
to Zambia will not be complete if you did not visit
the Victoria Falls (locally known as Mosi-O-Tunya "
the smoke that thunders"), participate in
Livingstone's adventure activities (white
water-rafting, elephant Back-ride tours,
micro-light, abseiling, river-boarding,
bungi-jumping etc.), walk the wilderness and
experience the abundance of wildlife of South
Luangwa National Park, canoeing in the
Lower-Zambezi National Park etc. Let this visit be
the most memorable of your lifetime.
Welcome."
Awards
and Commentary
by
Jerry W. Bird
The
Awards Dinner hosted by Tanzania Tourism Board's
(TTB) was popular and well attended as usual. Its
purpose is to salute the year's most outstanding
travel tourism and media professionals involved in
the promotion of Tanzania Tourism. Tom Verde,
National Public Radio travel journalist won the
Media Award. Coverage on the Selous won Boston
Globe and Copely News Service and award. African
Portfolio, whose Tanzania-only safaris represent
90% of its East Africa bookings won the Tour
Operator Award. British Airways received the
Airline Award. The final award, for Tour Operator
Southern Circuit Luxury Travel category was
presented to Absolute Adventure of Houston, Texas.
Above photo: Tanzania Tourism Minister Meghji
(center}, flanked by the award winners including
Tom Verde (3rd from left).
The
Republic of Cameroon, next year's ATA 29th
International Congress (at Douala) sponsored a
prestigious Gala Awards Dinner in the grand
ballroom of the Zambezi Sun Resort Hotel in
Livingstone at Victoria Falls. A stalwart ATA
supporter, Hon. Pierre Hele (left), Cameroon's
genial Minister of Tourism, honored his counterpart
from Guinea,Hon. Sylla Hadja Koumba Diakite (right)
for Outstanding Service to the Association. Other
awards were presented as follows:
•
Leadership within ATA- Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji,
MP, Tanzania's Minister for Natural Resources and
Tourism, and ATA President.
• Development of Responsible Tourism on the
African Continent (sponsored by American Express) -
Ms. A.O. Bode Thomas, EKO Meridien Hotel, Lagos,
Nigeria.
• Promotion of Responsible Tourism to the
Continent- Patricia Brown, President, Kambi Travel,
Largo, Maryland, USA.
• Founders Award - Hagos Legesse, President,
Legesse Travel and Tourism Consultants, New York,
NY.
• Special recognition went to Beryl Dorsett of
The Africa Group, New York, and to Vancouver's
Muguette Goufrani and Jerry W. Bird, Editors of
Africa Travel Magazine.
Comments
"
Since the 2OO1 Congress in Cape Town, for which SAA
was the official carrier and instrumental in the
conference's success, we continue to support ATA
with special membership fares. We've been on ATA's
board of directors for two years now . Its
objective of promoting tourism to the entire
African continent works in tandem with SAA'S
mission to expand our gateways to provide direct
service from North America to all of Africa."
Simon Newton-Smith, Vice President sales, South
African Airways.
"African
Tourism Boards should take a page from Europe's
book and promote inter- and intra continent
excursions. Your clients can visit Paris, London,
Brussels - - then, why not Tanzania, Ethiopia and
Zambia? We're building a route and service based,
sustainable airline to be part of it, representing
a new era of Belgian aviation. " Philip
Saunders, Commercial VP, SN Brussels Airline.
SN Brussels Airlines now codeshares with American
Airlines. Travel agents can book AA to Brussels for
connecting SN Flights to Africa.
"ATA
member countries should take advantage of
multi-country tourism opportunities, in saying,
"Let's use our products - the wildlife, nature,
safaris and lodges as cultural catalysts to
increase arrivals."
Beth Mugo, Assistant Tourism Minister, Republic
of Kenya.
Nairobi, Kenya will host ATA's 30th Jubilee
Congress in 2OO5, which provided a celebratory
touch to the Luncheon hosted by Kenya's Ministry of
Tourism and Information. Hon.
"
Tourism is a key growth sector we admire and
support. ATA'S ability to highlight
country-specific attractions, particularly those of
historically disadvantaged groups, as integral
parts of regional tourism promotion. Helping
discover these new products provides a unique
international profile that other institutions
cannot"
Ndiphiwe Ntuli, International Tourism Services
Director, Dept. of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism (DEAT). The above statement was made during
a Cultural Feast hosted by South Africa's Ministry
of Environment & Tourism.
"Zambia
as a Prime Tourism Destination is still the
best-kept secret; but now we must focus, identify
clearly what and why we're the Real Africa.
Consumer-driven, public and private sector
promotional efforts require solid financing, and
marketing plans include creation of a tourism
development fund."
L.E. Kapulu, representing the Zambia National
Tourist Board (ZNTB).
"We
at ATA, can take some credit for the work that we
have done in educating our American-based travel
industry partner members, so that they can in turn,
be more knowledgeable and confident about selling
Africa: first as a safe destination, even in time
of global instability; second as a continent rich
in history, culture, natural wonders and wildlife;
third, as an affordable vacation experience
enhanced by the strong US Dollar found in many
African countries, while at the same time the
world's true luxury destination. Africa is home to
some of the world's most famous luxury hotels,
resorts and tented bush camps." Hon. Zakia
Hamdani Meghji, ATA President.
"We
need to heavily invest in this very competitive
industry to improve our market share if tourism is
our economy's growth area, it deserves priority in
terms of resources allocation because it does not
only consume but generates resources and
wealth."
Hon. Patrick Kalilfungwa, Zambia's Tourism
Minister, .
Zambia
adds "Zest" to ATA's 28th Congress
by
Jerry W. Bird
Zambia
hosted successful ATA events in 1981 and 1993 -
however the Africa Travel Association's 28th
International Congress in May, 2003 was the first
"double-header," with Lusaka and
Livingstone-Victoria Falls sharing the honors.
There's something magical about any ATA event, and
our Zambian friends added their own zest to the
menu. We call it going for the gusto! What delegate
wouldn't be awed by Mosi- O-Tunya, the smoke that
thunders, or the denizens we encountered up close
on a Lower Zambezi canoe safari. For business,
networking and professional presentation, the Trade
Show at Lusaka's InterContinental Hotel was a sure
winner. Zambia is a great place to get around,
thanks to its airlines and road links, which meant
we covered much more territory than expected. The
country's elevation allows for a more pleasant
climate than one would expect in a tropical country
- all the more reason to plan an encore in
2004.
To
catch some of the Congress action and attractions,
see our magazine's 11 pages of photo
archives
plus our
AWARDS page
and comments by key participants and
presenters.
 To
drum up advance interest in "The Real Africa,"
Zambia's National Tourist Office staged a USA Road
Show, aided by ATA's Southern California, Atlanta,
Washington and New York chapters. These venues
helped ensure a large, enthusiastic attendance at
the event's launch in Lusaka. At the Congress
opening address, Zambia's President, Hon. Levy P.
Mwanawsa (right) was upbeat about tourism's
potential, echoed by the theme "Ethno Tourism: A
key to sustainable development and job creation."
In this positive vein, he stressed the importance
of increasing tourist flow from North America to a
wider range of African destinations. The President
welcomed all ATA delegates at a sunset reception in
the spacious gardens of Government House.
Photo
(top): ATA delegates taking a time out to catch the
spray at Victoria Falls. Above: President greets
delegates. Left: H.E. Martin Brennan, U.S.
Ambassador to Zambia; Ms. Mira Berman, Executive
Director, ATA; Hon. Zakia Hamdani Meghji, Minister
of Natural Resources and Tourism, Tanzania, and ATA
President; H.E. Levy P. Mwanawasa, President,
Republic of Zambia.
H.E.
Martin Brennan, United States Ambassador to Zambia
hosted ATA delegates at the beautiful embassy
complex in Lusaka. He too expressed confidence
that, if managed properly, tourism can be a
catalyst to better infrastructure development and
conservation. He believes that tourism should be
seen as more than just an income generator, but as
a tool for transforming the world into a global
village. Brennan was pleased to announce that the
U.S. government will provide $9 million for natural
resource management in Kafue National Park and
Zambezi-Chobe area, including a program for
training Africans in tourist
services.Front
and center all week, as Congress Chairman and
principal host, was Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa, MP,
Zambia's Minister of Tourism, Environment and
Natural Resources, who stated, "Our government's
focus for economic development includes strategic
awareness that tourism's benefits will not trickle
down to the poor unless they become the
participating custodians themselves through
education and training." He later added, "We need
to heavily invest in this very competitive industry
to improve our market share if tourism is our
economy's growth area, it deserves priority in
terms of resource allocation because it does not
only consume but generates resources and wealth."
His Co-Chair, H.E. Prof. Mwelwa C. Musambachime,
Zambia's permanent representative to the United
Nations tackled the timely topics as moderator for
"Community-based Tourism as a Driving Force," which
focused on cross-ministerial and intergovernmental
measures for fostering sustainable
development.
ATA
President Accentuates the Positive
Why does Africa continue to attract business and
tourism despite negative influences, empty rumors
empty chit chat from the media's talking heads?
"Hosting the congress in Zambia is testimony to
Africa's stability in the face of current global
conflicts and the (tourism) industry's weakened
situation, " said ATA President, Hon. Zakia Hamdani
Meghji, Minister of Tourism and Natural
Resources for Tanzania. "We are all here
because we are optimistic about the future of
global travel, specifically to the continent of
Africa. ATA member countries, representing most of
Africa's major tourism destinations, are recognized
by the more sophisticated traveler as among the
world's most safe and stable countries to visit at
this time," Meghji continued.
Photo
: Hon. Meghji (above) with IIPT President Louis
D'Amore. Below: Mira Berman, Hon. Patrick
Kalifungwa, Hon. Zakia Meghji and Gaynelle
Henderson-Bailey, 1st Vice President,
ATA.
Continuing
on a high note, ATA Executive Director Mira Berman
of New York spoke of industry partnerships with the
World Tourism Organization, United States Tour
Operators Association, International Ecotourism
Society, American Society of Travel Agents,
Corporate Council for Africa, Association of Retail
Travel Agents, RETOSA (Southern Africa) and SATH
(Handicapped Travelers). Berman touched on key ATA
projects, such as Bermuda's African Diaspora
Heritage Trail, and Africa's Second IIPT-ATA Peace
through Tourism Conference in early December,
2003.
Zambia's Partnership in ATA, SADC and RETOSA
With RETOSA playing an active role in promoting
tourism from North America to Southern Africa's 14
nations, it is significant that the ATA Congress in
Zambia set the stage for other key events. One of
the most important venues of the year is the (SADC)
Heads of State Summit in August. Africa Travel
Magazine's SADC Summit edition features a 32-page
Zambia Tourism insert featuring Congress highlights
and
photos.
The
Zambia supplement will be expanded in future issues
as ATA strengthens its bonds with the tourism
industry in Zambia, a staunch supporter since
1981.
Banking
on
Success
The
Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) hosted
the inaugural dinner, where the bank's Executive
Manager J.H. de Botha, stated, "The DBSA recognizes
the essential contribution tourism can make towards
economic and social development and the alleviation
of poverty. Our services to the sector can be
grouped into five categories ... finance, agency
services, consultancies, technical assistance,
information and knowledge, with projects spread
throughout South Africa and the Southern Africa
Development Community (SADC) countries. We remain
committed to tourism infrastructure development in
support of improving the quality of life for the
people of Southern Africa." Photo: Mira Berman,
Hon. Patrick Kalifungwa, Mr. J.H. de Botha and Hon.
Zakia Hamdani Meghji,
The
USA-Africa Tourism Marketing
MenuAdvice
on "Marketing to the North American Travel Trade
and Consumers" has always been a hot topic at ATA
events, and the Zambia version generated an unusual
amount of response. As moderator, ATA First Vice
President Gaynelle Henderson-Bailey (left) called
upon chapter presidents, with Marlene Melton of New
York Chapter leading the way, followed by James
Brock (Atlanta), Jerry W. Bird, (Canada), and
Chester Spears Chicago). Of particular note, was
the move to "twin" the African and North American
chapters as a move towards cooperative and combined
marketing efforts in future (details to come). And
the African member countries are following suit.
Taking a bold new initiative in the direction of
Travel and Tourism, Zambia's government has adopted
an ambitious five year plan. One of its chief aims
is for tourism to generate nearly half of the
country's revenue. Therefore, high on the agenda is
the tourism infrastructure, such as airports,
highways and secondary roads. We spent an hour with
the Lusaka International Airport Authority and were
impressed with the plans for creating a major hub
in Southern Africa. To make it all work, marketing
ranks high, with a New York Office of ZNTB in the
plans, advertising seminars, and participation by
"The Real Africa"at key events, such as the World
Travel Market, ITB Berlin and North America's top
Destination
Zambia
by
Helen C. Broadus
Much
to our pleasure, the Africa Travel Association
(ATA) has chosen the African nation of Zambia,
located in the heart of Southern Africa as the
location for its 28th Annual International Congress
to be held in May 2003. The name "Zambia" is
derived from the Zambezi River, and boasts a wealth
of natural highlights as well as a tourism industry
geared towards exhibiting the country's splendor.
The Republic of Zambia is the most centrally
located country in the southern region of Africa
and is therefore the ideal destination from which
to fully explore the region. Zambia shares its
borders on the north with the Democratic Republic
of the Congo and Tanzania; on the east with Malawi
and Mozambique; on the south with Zimbabwe, Namibia
and Botswana; and on the west with Angola. With a
surface area of 750,000 km2 there are nineteen
national parks, six major lakes, more than twenty
different ethnic groups, several museums,
archaeological sites and the incomparable natural
wonders of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River.
For those looking for a fantastic African wildlife
experience, Zambia has much to offer, including all
of the "Big Five" and more than 700 species of
birds. The rich wildlife of the country can be
easily explored on walking safaris, all terrain
(4X4) vehicles and/or canoeing safaris.
PLACES
OF INTEREST
Of course, the most awesome spectacle of Zambia
is the Victoria Falls, originally given their
English name by the famous missionary and explorer
Dr. David Livingstone. The local people refer to
the falls, which is southern and central Africa's
only natural wonder as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" literally
translated to mean "the smoke that thunders".
Victoria Falls is the largest curtain of falling
water in the world stretching 1,708 meters across
and, while not the largest, is definitely the most
majestic waterfall in the world! There are
micro-light aircraft and ballooning flights over
the falls, as well as numerous trails for enjoying
the breathtaking scenery to include bird watching,
hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
There is even an exhilarating bungi jump off the
Victoria Falls Bridge, the second highest jump in
the world where a video recording will allow you to
relive your experience.
Lake
Tanganyika is another place of special
interest, although it is seldom associated with
Zambia. Lake Tanganyika's waters touch Tanzania,
Burundi, the Congo and Zambia. It is the longest
freshwater lake in the world and the second deepest
after Lake Baikal in Russia. It reaches a depth of
1,433 meters (4,700 feet), which is an astounding
642 meters below sea level. Another special site is
Kafue National Park which is the largest game
reserve in Africa. Stretching from Lake
Itezhi-Texhi in the south to the spacious Busanga
Plains in the north, it is home to an abundance of
wildlife and lush vegetation, watered by the Kafue
and Lunga Rivers.
The
lower Zambezi National Park is a peaceful place
where the Zambezi River &endash; although one of
the largest on the continent &endash; spreads its
banks wide to create endless vistas of slowly
flowing waters. The subsequent flood plains provide
sanctuary for big game and a myriad of species of
bird life. Fishing is also an essential pastime for
visitors to the area and those who are more
adventurous can pit their skills against the fierce
tiger fish. The Bangwuelu Flood plains in the north
of the country present magnificent displays of
migratory wildlife, depending on the season. On the
headwaters of the Kafue River, sixty kilometers
west of Chingola, lies the Chimfunshi Wildlife
Orphanage. Its name is something of a misnomer as
Chimfunshi is a chimpanzee rehabilitation center
and sanctuary.
FACTS
AND FIGURES: The Republic of Zambia, formerly
known as Northern Rhodesia, has been independent
since October 24, 1964. The current Head of State
is President HE Levy P. Mwanawasa. Zambia's
population is estimated at 9.7 million with 56%
living in rural areas. The Capital City of Zambia
is Lusaka with a population of over two million.
Other major towns include Maramba (formerly
Livingstone), Kitwe, Ndola, Kabwe and Mufulira.
English is the official language and there are some
seventy-three regional dialects, which fall into
the main language groups of Nyanja, Tonga, Bemba,
Lozi, Kaonde, Kilunda, Luvale and Lunda.
Approximately
twenty percent of the population is Christian with
some Hindu and Muslim. The rest of the population
practices traditional African beliefs. With such a
large variety of ethnic groups, there are vast
differences between the local cuisines. However,
most of the traditional dishes depend on a staple
of vegetables combined with either meat or
fish.
Most
of the country falls into a plateau region, which
has a pleasant climate and is a land of unspoiled
forest, lush Savannah's and vast plains. The valley
of the Zambezi River is a low-lying area, ranging
from marshy coastal areas running the length of the
western and southern borders, with a hotter and
more humid climate. The extreme northern areas,
rising to a plateau and mountain ranges, have a
more usual tropical climate as they reach the
shores of Lake Tanganyika. Despite the tropical
location, the altitude of the Zambian plateau
ensures a comfortable climate throughout the year
in the river valleys where it is markedly hotter.
Zambia has three basic seasons &endash; cool and
dry from May to August, hot and dry from September
to November and warm and wet from December to
April.
The
local currency is the Kwacha and Zambia's low cost
of living and favorable exchange rate represent
excellent value for money for all tourists and
foreign visitors. Zambia's time zone is GMT +2. The
country code is 260 and the following area codes
apply: Lusaka 01, Chipata 062, Chirundu 01, Kapiri
Mposhi 05, Kasma 04, Kitwe 02, Livingstone 03, and
Ndola 02. There is a workable telephone and postal
service throughout the country, as well as cell
phone and Internet facilities in the capital.
Outside of urban areas and major resorts, drinking
water should be boiled and filtered or treated with
purification tablets. Electricity, of which 99.5
percent is generated by the Kariba hydroelectric
scheme, runs at 220.240V AC, 50Hz.
ECONOMY
Zambia is one of the richest regions in the
world for metal ores, but is rather
under-exploited. The export of copper accounts for
approximately seventy percent of Zambia's foreign
income. Internally, the country is mainly
agriculturally-based with about thirty percent of
the GDP in this industry sector. The economy is
also reliant on the extensive mineral resources
(other than copper) of the country including cobalt
and zinc &endash; which account for another twenty
percent of the GDP. Agriculture and forestry
account for sixteen percent of the GDP with its
major cash crops of cotton, coffee, sugar cane and
tobacco. In addition, the tourism industry had
almost 400,000 tourist and foreign visitors in 1998
representing approximately $90 million in foreign
currency.
ACCOMMODATION:
Apart from the first-rate facilities available
at all of the main tourists destinations, outside
of the major cities, commercial accommodations is
scarce and, when found, very basic. There are a few
backpackers' lodges but few campsites except in the
tourist areas. Visitors intending hiking or
backpacking excursions are strongly advised to
carry their own tent and camping equipment. The
National Parks usually offer four types of
accommodation: camping (about US$5 per person),
self-catering (US$10 to $25), mid-range fully
catered lodges (between US$50 to $100) and top-end
lodges (US$200 to $250 inclusive).
GETTING
THERE: Lusaka International Airport is thirty
kilometers from the city. Flights from North
America can be arranged with either British Airways
or South African Airways. European airlines such as
KLM, Air France and Lufthansa also fly to Lusaka.
Zambia Airways is the national airline carrier and
Southern African air carriers that fly direct to
Lusaka include South African Airways, Air Namibia,
Air Zimbabwe, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines.
All visitors require valid passports and roundtrip
air tickets. United States citizens are required to
obtain visas that are valid for up to six
months.
Ferry
boats exist across the Zambezi River into Botswana
and via Lake Tanganyika, to both Tanzania and
Burundi. Land transport includes two main rail
links from the border of Zambia into Tanzania and
onto Dar es Salaam or across the Victoria Falls
Bridge to Bulawayo and Harare in Zimbabwe. By road
there are coach services available to Botswana,
South Africa, Zimbabwe and Malawi which run
frequently. Internal travel is most conveniently
accomplished by using the large number of private
air charter companies and, with about 130 airports
and landing strips across the country, access can
be gained to almost any region of
Zambia.
HEALTH:
Recommended precautions &endash; especially if
you are visiting game reserves &endash; include
current or boosted inoculations for hepatitis A and
polio as well as an anti-malarial prescription. It
is also preferable to use an effective insect
repellent as a precaution for malaria and, in the
case of remote areas, sleeping sickness.
ITEMS
TO BRING: A good pair of binoculars is
recommended for all visitors exploring wildlife
areas as well as any photographic or video
equipment and a good supply of spare batteries.
Remember that this is a sunny country so make sure
that you have a hat, sunglasses and plenty of
sun-block lotion. Clothing for game areas should be
neutral or earth colors, sensible walking shoes
should also be included and a windbreaker jacket
will be useful for the cooler times of the day such
as for early morning or late evening game
drives.
WHAT
TO BUY: Zambia is a good place to buy
gemstones, fine basketry and a wide variety of wood
and stone carvings. Also look out for the beautiful
wall hangings and bed covers from across the Luanwa
Valley.
Ten
best reasons to visit Zambia
by
Helen C. Broadus
1st: Proximity to other Southern African
countries.
Zambia is easily accessed by air from all parts of
the world and has an excellent network or regional
airlines, railroad routes and road
links.
2nd:
Luangwa Valley. South Luangwa is one of the
greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The
concentration of game around the Luangwa River and
its ox-bow lagoons is one of the most spectacular
in Africa.
3rd:
Kafue National Park. This is the largest game
reserve in Africa and offers viewing of all of the
major species of the continent.
4th
: Zambezi River. As one of the greatest
waterways on the African continent, this river
attracts adventurous spirits to explore its length
or challenge its rapids.
5th:
Lochinwar National Park. Although one of the
smallest National Parks, Lochinwar has over 400
known species of birds as well as other
wildlife.
6th:
Lake Kariba. A man-made lake 280 kilometers
long. An engineering marvel and conservation
miracle.
7th:
Cultural Heritage. There are seven major ethnic
groups within the country comprising 25 distinct
ethnic groups with their own unique rituals and 73
language dialects.
8th:
Victoria Falls. Not the highest, but certainly
the largest and most beautiful waterfall in the
world. Victoria Falls is locally known as
Mosi-oa-Tunya or the "smoke that
thunders".
9th:
Historical Interest Sites. Museums that
preserve the long tradition of ethnic artifacts as
well as famous monuments of more recent times
remembered at the Livingstone Monument, the Von
Lettow Vorbeck Memorial and the Railway Museum in
the town of Livingstone.
10th:
Climate and Infrastructure. Because of its
height above sea level, Zambia has a very pleasant
climate for a tropical African nation. This, and
the well-developed infrastructure of transportation
and accommodations, makes it a particularly
comfortable place to visit.
Overall,
your visit to Zambia will be an extremely
pleasurable experience. Zambia is a country that
has always focused on itself as a tourism
destination in southern Africa full of bright
sunshine, spectacular scenery, an abundance of
wildlife, diverse recreational activities and very
friendly people. All of the above combine to make a
perfectly relaxing holiday destination.
For
more information about Zambia contact: Mr. Edson P.
Tembo, Director, Zambia National Tourist Office,
800 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Telephone
Number: (212) 972-7200, Facsimile Number: (212)
972-7360, and website:
www.africa-insites.com/zambia.
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