United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Secretary General Ambassador Zurab Pololikashvili is expected in Zambia on Monday July 22, 2019, for a three-day working visit.

In a statement released by Ministry of Tourism public relations officer Sakabilo Kalembwe, Ambassador Pololikashvili will be in the country to attend a series of meetings related to the South Luangwa National Park Area Management Unit (SLAMU), among others.

“The Minister, Tourism and Arts , Hon. Dr. Charles Banda will host a welcoming cocktail for the UNWTO chief at Lusaka’s Taj Pamodzi Hotel on the night of his arrival. A series of important meetings have been arranged for this occasion and they include a visit to Zambia’s pristine South Luangwa National Park where a meeting will be held with various tour operators around the South Luangwa Area Management Unit (SLAMU). The Secretary General is expected back in Lusaka from South Luangwa on Wednesday July 24 and returns to Madrid, Spain, on July 25, 2019,” read the statement.

“In the park, the UNWTO Secretary General is expected to visit the monument erected during the declaration of South Luangwa as a sustainable National Park for International Tourism Development by his predecessor Dr Taleb Rifai in 2017. The declaration of the park led to growing interest by both local and international investors to put up sustainable tourist facilities in South Luangwa National Park. The park is renowned for its pristine beauty and is one of the best parks in the world for walking safaris. Zambia is honoured yet again to host a UNWTO chief who chose the country as a destination for his working holiday. This visitation from the SG will definitely have a positive impact on tourist arrivals from Europe and other parts of the world for many years to come.”

According to Kalembwe, the trip was initiated through the Zambian Mission in France, led by Ambassador Dr Christine Kaseba-Sata.