Zambian Minister of Tourism and Arts Mrs Sylvia Masebo
Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo says tourism is a major source of employment and greatly contributes to poverty reduction.
Ms Masebo said between the periods of 2013 and 2014, Zambia’s tourism sector is projected to create 300,000 jobs.
She was speaking during the launch of the World Tourism Week under the theme Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future, in Lusaka yesterday.
Ms Masebo said water is one of tourism sector’s most precious resources and once managed sustainably, tourism can bring benefits to the nation and local communities.
“It is important to support and preserve water because it underpins our lives,” she said.
Ms Masebo said tourism has continued to provide environmental solutions as evidenced by growth of eco-tourism.
She, however, said there is need to do more to preserve water, which is the common heritage of present and future generations.
“An increasing part of humanity is lacking access to fresh water and this is a danger to sustainability of the tourism sector and humankind in particular,” she said.
Ms Masebo said it is the responsibility of the tourism sector to take a leadership role and ensure companies invest in water management.
She also commended hotels and similar establishments in the country, which have placed notices in hotel rooms to conserve water in various ways. She said Zambia has huge water resources but that in dry seasons, the water resource is scarce.
Ms Masebo also said a number of activities have been lined up across the country as a way of commemorating this year’s World Tourism Day.
From: www.daily-mail.co.zm
Date: 23 September 2013
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