By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
ZAMBIA Tourism Board (ZTB) is concerned about the continued European Union(EU) ban on Zambian aircraft and has called on authorities to intervene quickly .
ZTB chairperson Mark O’ Donnell said the tourism sector was greatly impacted by the EU ban on Zambian registered aircraft but remained confident that the relevant authorities would move quickly to get it lifted.
Mr O’Donnel hopes that the Government would move quickly to ensure that the European Union (EU) ban on Zambian registered aircraft was resolved.
In the 2013 tourism report, Mr O’Donnell noted that during the year, some movements were recorded towards the resolution of the two most vexing problems currently faced by the tourism industry, namely the EU ban on Zambian registered aircraft and yellow fever vaccination requirements by South Africa.
“The creation of the Zambian Civil Aviation Authority, one of the key conditions for lifting of the EU ban on Zambian registered aircraft was a significant development towards the lifting of the ban,” Mr O’Donnell said.
He said the eventual lifting of the EU ban would stimulate the much needed investment in the Zambian aviation industry, a key success factor for the tourism sector.
Mr O’Donnell said ZTB would continue to be a key participant in Government efforts to review the country’s Visa regime to increase international tourist arrivals.
“In recognition of the importance of a condusive legislative and investment environment to the tourism sector, ZTB continued to be a key participant in Government efforts to review the country’s Visa regime.