The Zambia Tourism Agency has taken over the licensing function of tourism facilities to raise standards in the sector.

The ZTA was primarily responsible for marketing the destination but will now also be responsible for issuance of licences to all tourism facilities. The agency will also ensure that there are no disparities between a product’s promotional message and its actual standards.

Spokesperson, Caristo Chitamfya, revealed that a new policy had been created last year that mandated ZTA to effectively market and promote Zambia as a tourism and travel destination of choice as well as regulate the tourism industry. He was referring to the Tourism and Hospitality Act No. 13 of 2015.

“ZTA has been empowered to license tourism enterprises, set standards and carry out inspections,” said Chitamfya, adding that the body would ensure conformity to minimum set standards by all tourism ventures in the country.

 The ZTA said the new licences would be valid for a three-year period with annual renewals.