Thank you for raising the Zambian flag – Lungu
….President reflects on the 2018 ITB
President Edgar Lungu is delighted at the exposure that Zambia received at the March 6 to 11 International Tourism Bourse, ITB, a global travel and tourism show that takes place every year in the German capital, Berlin.
Writing on his Facebook page, President Lungu says he is glad that the country’s profile was raised globally thereby stimulating interest as a destination of choice for holiday, international conferences and conventions including long-term investment.
“Let me take this opportunity to commend the Ministry of tourism and Arts, our embassy in Berlin and Zambia Tourism Agency for ensuring that our country received maximum visibility at the global tourism event”, says the Head of State.
In his address to the first session of the 12th National Assembly, President Lungu said that his administration was going to promote arts and culture as a way of diversifying the tourism sector “to meet the varied tastes and expectations of both local and international tourists.”
In fulfillment of this directive, the Zambia Dance Troupe was present at the ITB mesmerizing the guests that could not ignore their rare traditional dances and regalia in addition to handcrafts that were on display in Hall 4.1a where Zambian exhibitors were located.
An estimated 100,000 visitors daily visited Messe Berlin, the venue of the 2018 ITB where more than 10,000 exhibitors were in attendance from 180 countries and covered by 6000 journalists. Strategically located at the entrance to Hall 21, the Zambian pavilion had a fair share of exposure in addition to high profile visitors.
“I noted with keen interest that the Zambian stand was graced by the UNWTO Secretary General Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili and the Mayor of the City of Berlin His Worship Mr. Michael Muller”, notes the President.
As Zambia was Convention and Culture Partner for 2018, she got a significant amount of exposure with several panel discussions focusing on the country’s various tourism products and services in addition to a well-attended Press Conference addressed by Minister of Tourism and Culture Charles Banda.
Pictures of Zambia’s various tourist attractions were in several strategic parts of the venue in addition to stories in the official news letter of the ITB. Members of the Zambia National Dance Troupe took part in distributing the country’s literature all over the venue while dressed in their traditional costume.
The Zambian pavilion, accommodating 26 tour operators was besieged on a day when visitors to the show learnt that traditional food was available for tasting. In fulfillment of the theme “Take Zambia with you”, most visitors spoken to after they tasted the Zambian foods indicated that it was one highlight of the event they were sure to remember for sometime to come.