Zambia Tourism Board in association with Ethiopian Airlines recently hosted prominent tour operators from India on a familiarisation trip. The 11 days tour to Zambia showcased the wildlife, culture and lodges of Zambia along with Ethiopian Airlines services and connectivity in Africa.
The agents were also present for the Zambia Travel Expo (ZATEX), 2016 held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) in Lusaka. During the three-day expo, the Indian agents got the opportunity to network with industry players in the region as well as meet some of the global tourism partners.
The familiarisation trip consisted of agents from Global Connections, Travel n Living, Earthwalk and Footprint Holidays along with Dency Mathew – Marketing and PR Manager, Blue Square Consultants. The group visited Lusaka, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Livingstone. The group enjoyed activities like canoeing in the Zambezi River amongst hippos and crocodiles; day and night game drives in South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi National Park; microlight flight over Victoria Falls and a cruise on the African Queen in Livingstone.
Some of the partners who provided support to the FAM include Taj Pamodzi, Intercontinental, Sanctuary Retreats, Chinzombo Camp, Chongwe Safari, Sausage Tree Camp, Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Protea Hotel and the airline Proflight Zambia.
Zambia Tourism Board hopes to capitalise on the growing outbound market from India and increase tourist arrivals to Zambia. Felix Chaila, Managing Director, Zambia Tourism Board said, “India is an emerging source market for us and we want to see a positive growth from this market. This FAM was conducted so that Indian travel trade can get firsthand experience of the wonders of Zambia and can promote the destination further in their own country. Zambia is the new face of Africa and is a safe and secure destination. We feel Indians are looking at exploring new and exciting destinations and Zambia is a product they will love. Moving forward, we plan to conduct more familiarisation trips, focused network events for trade, branding activities and one-on-one sales meetings in India with the help of our India representative Blue Square Consultants.”
