Government has come up with the Public Service Domestic Tourism Loan Scheme which will enable civil servants access loans to undertake domestic tourism in various parts of the country.
And Public Sector Management Finance Company PSMFC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Protea Hotels that will enable civil servants access loans for domestic tourism to various parts of the country.
Speaking when he launched the PSMFC product which will allow civil servants to access the loan facility, Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba says the initiative will positively impact the sector which will in turn translate into an improved economy.
Speaking in Chongwe today, Mr Sikumba said the facility is a direct response to complaints that domestic tourism in Zambia is costly.
The Minister has since directed the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) and PSMFC to work out a plan on how private sector employees can also benefit from the loan scheme.
Speaking during the same occasion, Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa said civil servants should take full advantage of the product.
Mr Nkulukusa in a speech read for him by Ministry of Finance and National Planning Acting Permanent Secretary for Planning and Administration Lois Mulube said the loan scheme will not have a bias towards civil servants who earn higher salaries than others but all people will be treated fairly.
Meanwhile PSMFC Chief Executive Officer Mubanga Mwiko said his institution will continue being responsive to the needs of the public service workers.
