Tourism Minster Rodney Sikumba called for the need green growth as a balance between investment in the tourism sector and environmental conservation.
Speaking when he graced the Tourism Investment Forum at the World Tourism Day Celebrations today, the Minister say this will enable the country’s biodiversity to remain intact as it will contribute to sustainable development and improve the well-being of the Zambians.
He says rapid investment in the tourism sector may lead to environmental challenges such as climate change habitant destruction and resource depletion which he states it can not be ignored .
The Livingstone Member of Parliament however, noted that the tourism sector presents a wide array ofinvestment opportunities for infrastructure and job creation which should be exploited by both local and international investors .
He said this should be done through joint ventures or partnerships as the sector is able to contribute to economic diversification.
The Minister said the fusion of tourism and green investments is imperative to ensuring that Zambia remains an attractive destination for both tourists and investors .
And Tourism Permanent Secretary EVANS MUHANGA said the tourism sector has potential to grow through massive investments in key areas such as the hospitality , infrastructure and transportation networks .
And ZDA Special Economic Zones Assistant Director JONES ZULU said the agency has continued to provide incentives to the tourism sector to enable it grow and contribute to economic growth and job creation.
Mr ZULU said among the incentives is duty free importation of helicopter and microlights , a wide range of cooking and heating equipment and safari game viewing vechiles among others.
