Tourism Sector Complimenting Zambia’s New Growth Narrative
Zambia’s tourism sector has kept on recording strong growth rates, and has further emerged as a key fundamental economic diversification pillar especially in between 2022 and 2025.
From the numbers, International visitor arrivals have increased from slightly over 1 million seen in 2022 to 1.4 million witnessed in 2023, then surged to a record high of 2.2 million in 2024, with 2025 arrivals estimated to exceeded 2.3 million.
This growth has directly translated into significant economic benefits. Tourism now contributes approximately 7 % of Zambia’s GDP, supports an estimated 473,000 jobs, and generates critical foreign exchange earnings to FX basket.
The sector drives revenue across hotels, transport, hospitality and local businesses, while also stimulating domestic tourism and community-based enterprises.
The expansion has been underpinned by strategic policy interventions, including visa facilitation, destination marketing, improved infrastructure and promotion of business and leisure travel packages.
While challenges remain notably infrastructure gaps and seasonal fluctuations, complimented strongly with unexplored northern circuit opportunities.
Zambia’s tourism sector has moved beyond post-pandemic recovery into a phase of sustained expansion, creating jobs, revenue and inclusive growth opportunities.
