By Rapheal Mwenya
North Western Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry President Kafuta Mukumbi says the hospitality industry in the country is expanding and has potential to contribute to economic growth.
Speaking during the exit Hospitality training workshop at Solwezi Lodge in the presence of representatives from Hotels, lodges and restaurants based in Solwezi, Mr Mukumbi said according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) report of 2018, the hospitality industry together with the travel and tourism sector in Zambia was the fastest growing national economic sector.
He said that the report showed that the sector contributed K19.4 billion and posted a 6.3% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which resulted in the creation of over 318,000 jobs.
However, Mr Mukumbi said the Zambian tourism industry has been underperforming as compared to other countries in the region.
“It is for this reason that the NWCC together with the business communities in the Province have taken advantage of the announcement by the North Western Provincial Administration to host the Provincial Expo in August this year under the theme; unveiling hidden treasures by engaging a team of seasoned PUM Senior Experts from the Netherlands which included Theo Van Brussel and Gerbert Hofma for the purpose of them using their expertise to help in the improvement of the tourism and hospitality sector of the Province,” he said.
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Mr Mukumbi said 10 more Solwezi based restaurants will be included on the programme to the 40 lodges that were initially shortlisted for the hospitality training programme as it rows out.
And speaking at the same event, Sub Committee Hospitality and Accommodation Chairperson, Christopher Mandala thanked the North Western Province Minister and the NWCC for engaging the Netherlands PUM Senior Experts as their expertise will greatly help in the successful hosting of the North West Expo starting from the 18th to August 24, 2019.
