By STEPHANIE KUNDA  –
THIRTY-SIX Zambian exhibitors are expected to participate at the International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in the German capital Berlin which starts tomorrow.
The Zambian Government has coined a theme ‘Take Zambia With You’ to attract visitors to Zambia during the event.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Germany Anthony Mukwita said the Zambian government, with the participation of the private sector, would be exhibiting some of the best sites, sounds and cultural heritage the country has to offer and will be asking the visitors to ‘Take Zambia with them’.
This is according to a statement issued yesterday by the embassy’s First Secretary for Press Kellys Kaunda.
“Every stand in the exhibition hall, every performance and every presentation in the convention hall along with the food to be served by The Manor, a Lusaka-based Zambian restaurant shall be designed to leave a lasting impression on the visitors to ITB who in turn shall take Zambia with them,” Mr Mukwita said.
Mr Mukwita said the Zambian Embassy in Berlin had published its first quarterly mission magazine to be called the Diplomatic Dispatch, whose lead article is based on President Edgar Lungu’s visits to some of the country’s tourist sites.
Featuring never-before-seen pictures taken by State House photographer Eddie Mwanaleza, Mr Mukwita said through the eyes of the President, the world “may gain a glimpse into the warm heart of Zambia” and one day come to enjoy it for themselves.
To compliment the exhibitors at the stands, Mr Mukwita appealed to every Zambian that would be attending the travel show to take it upon themselves to showcase the country by exhibiting exemplary conduct, the hospitality her people are known for and whenever possible to wear Zambian colors.
As Zambians at the ITB share what the nation was all about, Mr Mukwita also urged them to take advantage of their being in the country to deepen their understanding of Germany since the two countries have had diplomatic relations that stretch as far back as 1964 when Zambia became an independent nation.
“Visit the Berlin Wall, visit the holocaust memorial, visit Check Point Charlie and many more”, the Zambian envoy advised and explained that “these sites represent different aspects of Germany that reminds every visitor that despite some of the most difficult moments in her history, Germany has, like a proverbial phoenix” shaken off the ashes of her past and flown higher to become the leading nation on the European continent”.
During the weeklong event, more than 100,000 visitors are expected to visit Messe Berlin, the site of the show where more than 10,000 exhibitors from close to 200 countries of the world will be showcasing the latest in the tour and travel show business.