By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –
GOVERNMENT has pledged to continue doing its part to create an environment that supports community and private sector investment in tourism development.
Tourism and Arts Minister Jean Kapata said Government recognises the role being played by the private sector in fostering potential tourism business opportunities, and thereby contributing to the development of the economy.

. Kapata

Ms Kapata said this in Kitwe when she graced the opening of the Chinese-owned Four-Star Oriental Swan Hotel yesterday.
The country is not only home to one of the world’s greatest natural wonder, Victoria Falls, but also endowed with a rich and diverse culture.
Ms Kapata said the close to one million visitors the country received last year have reinforced Government’s determination to accelerate the growth of the tourism industry in the context of sustainable development to benefit the country.
The investment by Oriental Swan Hotel witnessed yesterday was a demonstration of the conducive and competitive business environment that has been instituted.
Ms Kapata was happy that Oriental Swan had demonstrated clear commitment by investing more than US$60 million in establishment of hotels which would contribute greatly to the creation of jobs and widening up the choice of accommodation for tourism experience.
Oriental Swan Hotel director General Xuan Yabiao praised Zambia for being one of the most politically stable countries on the continent, having not experienced civil strife since gaining independence in 1964.
Mr Xuan said the country’s stable, attractive investment climate had given them confidence to invest in particular the hospitality industry as well as other fields.
He said the Chinese business community in Zambia has been encouraged by the bilateral consensus reached by President Edgar Lungu and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping when the former went to China for a State visit.