The United Party for National Development (UPND) Media Director Mark Simuuwe has dismissed concerns that heightened security at airports could discourage tourists from visiting Zambia.
Mr Simuuwe says increased security will instead make tourists feel protected, adding that the measures are necessary given the presence of fugitives in the country.
He says Zambia is adopting security measures comparable to those in other countries, which should be viewed as an advantage rather than a threat to tourism.
Mr Simuuwe was reacting to President Hakainde Hichilema’s speech during the official opening of the First Session of the 14th National Assembly, in which the President outlined plans to attract five million tourists under the Grow Zambia Agenda.
He says the target is achievable, noting that tourist arrivals have increased from about 500,000 when the UPND assumed office to more than two million.
Mr Simuuwe says increased tourist arrivals have created business opportunities for hotels and lodges, car-hire companies and the aviation industry.
By Mike Mwendachabe
