The United Nations Tourism (UN Tourism) Secretary-General, Zurab Pololikashvili, has commenced an official visit to Zambia, signaling a significant advancement in the nation’s strategic tourism development initiatives.
Upon arrival, Secretary-General Pololikashvili is scheduled to conduct a formal courtesy call with President Hakainde Hichilema at State House, Lusaka. This high-level engagement underscores Zambia’s commitment to leveraging tourism as a pivotal driver of sustainable economic growth and reinforces the collaborative partnership between Zambia and UN Tourism.
Following the State House meeting, Secretary-General Pololikashvili will officiate the Education Summit on April 7, 2025, at the Mulungushi International Conference Center. This summit will convene key stakeholders from government, academia, and the tourism sector to deliberate on the critical role of education in fostering a resilient and inclusive tourism industry.
On April 8, 2025, the Secretary-General will proceed to Livingstone, Zambia’s prominent tourism hub, to officiate at the second edition of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa and the Commission for the Americas (CAFCAM) at the Radisson Blu Resort.
CAFCAM serves as a strategic platform for showcasing Africa’s diverse cultural heritage and promoting the creative industries as integral components of sustainable tourism development.
Welcoming the Secretary-General to Zambia, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, extended a formal welcome to Secretary-General Pololikashvili, stating, “We are honored to host Secretary-General Pololikashvili in Zambia. “His visit is both timely and strategically significant, aligning with our national objectives to position tourism as a catalyst for inclusive growth, education, and innovation.”
“Zambia possesses a wealth of cultural and natural assets, and we are committed to collaborating with international partners such as UN Tourism to maximize the potential of our tourism sector. We anticipate that this visit will cultivate new avenues for investment, collaboration, and sustainable development.”
Secretary-General Pololikashvili’s visit to Zambia affirms the nation’s increasing prominence in the global tourism dialogue and presents a valuable opportunity to showcase Zambia’s natural attractions, cultural heritage, and investment potential. This engagement is expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation with UN Tourism, attract strategic investments, and promote Zambia as a center for sustainable tourism, education, and cultural exchange, thereby solidifying its position as a burgeoning tourism destination in Africa and beyond.
