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Minister of Culture and Arts, Christopher Chibuye, has called for intensified marketing, improved road networks and investment in heritage infrastructure to unlock the tourism potential of Northern Province and attract more visitors and investors.
Chibuye said better accessibility and preservation of cultural heritage sites were critical to positioning the Northern Circuit as a key contributor to Zambia’s target of attracting five million tourists.
He was speaking during a visit to Kasama on Tuesday, where he paid a courtesy call on Northern Province Minister Wedden Chileshe.
Chibuye said the visit was intended to give his ministry first-hand appreciation of the condition of heritage sites and the challenges affecting their development.
“Culture defines our nation and must be preserved and promoted through the arts. Government has given culture and arts greater prominence because it is central to who we are as Zambians,” Chibuye said.
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He said improved roads and heritage infrastructure, coupled with stronger marketing, would make tourism attractions more accessible and appealing to visitors and potential investors.
Chibuye said the national target of attracting five million tourist arrivals was attainable, with Northern Province well positioned to contribute through its cultural heritage and tourism assets.
“Informed interventions and stronger collaboration will be critical in positioning the Northern Circuit to contribute to the national target of five million tourist arrivals,” he said.
Chileshe said the province had several attractions, including Kalambo Falls, Chishimba Falls and the Mwela Rock Art Sites, as well as traditional ceremonies and other heritage assets.
He said the provincial administration was ready to work with the Ministry of Culture and Arts to develop the sector and position Northern Province as a major contributor to the Grow Zambia Agenda.
“Northern Province is ready to work together with the Ministry to ensure that our tourism potential is fully harnessed and contributes meaningfully to the Grow Zambia Agenda,” Chileshe said.
Chibuye called for concerted efforts by Government and other stakeholders to promote the province’s attractions, improve infrastructure and create an enabling environment for investment.
Both ministers said developing tourism in Northern Province would support job creation, stimulate local economic activity and contribute to national development.
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