ZAMBIA TOURISM BANKS ON ADDED POPULARITY FOR DESTINATION AS U20 AFCON TOURNAMENT STARTS
(Posted 25th February 2017)
Zambia’s Tourism Agency invites visitors to explore Victoria Falls and other spectacular tourism products!
(By Caristo Chitamfya)
As Zambia hosts the CAF Under 20 Africa Cup of Nations (26 February -12 March 2017), the Zambia Tourism Agency is inviting visitors to see more than football!
‘We invite the world to take advantage of this exciting sporting event to explore our country’s incredible tourist attractions such as the mighty Victoria Falls, national parks, heritage sites and cultural ceremonies. Our host cities of Lusaka and Ndola are waiting to mesmerise you with their charm, modernity and incredible hospitality’. There is no better place to be right now..than in Zambia!’ says ZTA Chief Executive Officer Felix Chaila in an interview.
The Zambia Tourism Agency is further excited by the fact that the soccer show case is happening at a time when the Victoria Falls are at their peak, way ahead of its normal schedule, enabling visitors to Zambia to see ‘the smoke that thunders’ – in the truest sense of the phrase!
‘The above normal rainfall that the country has received so far has not only added to the beauty and magnificence of the Victoria Falls but has also made the whole country look green and fresh, a scenic sight that will excite you, whether you choose to do your intercity transfers by road or by air‘ Mr. Chaila added.
Eight countries will compete to become Africa Under 20 Soccer Champions in a two-group competition to be held in the cities of Lusaka (Zambia’s Capital City) and Ndola (the second City) at the National Heroes Stadium and Levy Mwanawasa Stadia respectively.
Zambia is in group A together with Egypt, Guinea and Mali while Group B features Senegal, Cameroon, Sudan and South Africa.
The Zambia Tourism Agency has partnered with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the Ministry of Youth and Sport to make sure that the Africa Under 20 Soccer Championship is a memorable event not only for the soccer euphoria but from all the unique encounters visitors will have with the friendly people of Zambia and with the country’s unique tourism products.
Already, the Tourism Agency has set up information desks at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, Ndola Airport and at all hotels where the teams and officials are being accommodated. These hotels include the Radisson Blu (Lusaka), Protea Hotels (Ndola and Lusaka) and Mukuba Hotel (Ndola). In addition, a comprehensive ‘Where to Go’ Guide for the two host cities has been published and will be availed to all the teams and supporters.
Visitors to Lusaka will find a modern, cosmopolitan city whose infrastructure development is among the fastest in the region. Places to go include the Lusaka National Park, Chaminuka Nature Reserve and Lilayi Lodge for Nature lovers while those who want to learn more about the history of the city are invited to visit the Lusaka National Museum, Chilenje House (where Zambia’s First President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda lived), the Parliament Building (where Chief Mwa-Lusaka is buried). Also on offer, is a comprehensive tour of the townships dubbed ‘the Lusaka Experience’.
For the shopping experience, Lusaka will surprise the sceptics; the city now boasts of the highest number of Shopping Malls in the region outside of South Africa, offering an array of merchandise ranging from world class Fashion Houses to international Food Franchises, Electronics Shops and Jewellery Shops.
For the record, Zambia boasts of world famous gemstones with its emeralds officially declared ‘the Best in the world’! which visitors simply have to see for themself!
As for Ndola, visitors will see a city that represents the Zambian character. Ndola (from ‘Ndole’ meaning ‘Let me see’) is the capital of the Copperbelt Province, the province that has built Zambia -literally! They say if you have not been to the Copperbelt, you haven’t seen Zambia for this is a melting pot of different Zambian cultures with its own fashion style famously known as ‘the Kopala Swag’. From visits to the Dag Hammarskjold Memorial Site and Lake Kashiba to Chimfunshi Chimpazee Orphanage and Nsobe Game Camp, the Copper belt is sure to guarantee you an unforgettable experience.
The Zambia Tourism Agency is calling upon neighbouring countries and the region as a whole to come to Zambia and be part of this unique Soccer experience. This appeal comes from the ZTA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Felix Chaila :
As a peaceful country with years of ‘good neighbourliness’, Zambia considers the hosting of the AFCON Under-20 Soccer Tournament as a shared gift. We want our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Congo DR, Angola, Botswana, Tanzania (and indeed across the region) to come to Zambia and join in the fun. Let’s show the world our bonds of friendship and love. Whether you choose to fly or travel by road, we are ready to receive you in a truly Zambian style. Let the games begin.
Zambia is ready!
Let’s see the games ….and there is plenty of game to be seen afterwards in the national parks!
Zambia- Let’s Explore!
One Response
the ZTA is doing a very good job and i give you surport of grading our hotels by accesing thier standard of service, and also how qualified are thier members of stuffs. Keep it up with the programme of selling tourism products and attractions. Congraturations to the whole entire team of ZTA