By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
THE location of the Zambia stand at this year’s International Tourism Bourse (ITB) travel show in the German capital Berlin ensures that every exhibitor and visitor is able to see what the country has to offer.
During a tour of Messe Berlin, the venue of the March 7 to 11 tourism extravaganza, Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita learnt that entry into the exhibition facility leads straight into the Zambian stand.
“This is a significant advantage that you as Zambia need to utilise to the fullest,” said Margot Dennemoser of ITB.
As Convention and Culture Partner, Zambia occupies the second largest exhibition space after Mecklenburg Vorpommern, which is the 2018 official partner.
Ms Dennemoser, who is responsible for stands at Messe Berlin, told Mr Mukwita that the space was large enough to allow Zambia show the world the different aspects of its life as a tourism destination.
This is according to a statement issued by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Germany Kellys Kaunda.
Mr Mukwita was satisfied at the location and size of the exhibition space.
He appealed to intending exhibitors to speed up their registration process with the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) and fill up the few remaining tables demarcated within the space.
“Clearly, we are located in an advantageous position whose benefits can only be realised with the participation of the private sector that the Zambian Government needs as partners in selling the country’s tourism potential,” Mr Mukw ita said.
First Secretary Tourism Susan Katema, who had accompanied Ambassador Mukwita, said Zambia had been allocated 126 square metres of exhibition space demarcated into 35 tables.
She said so far about 30 exhibitors had registered, leaving only a few tables that were yet to be taken.
During the tourism show, buyers and sellers of tourism products and services will be interacting providing a chance for Zambia to strike travel deals and attract visitors to the country.