Zambia Targets New Airline Partnerships to Increase Tourist Arrivals
Zambia has reaffirmed the importance of stronger collaboration between the aviation and tourism sectors to boost international arrivals and improve air connectivity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ITB Berlin Trade Show in Berlin, Zambia Airports Corporation Limited Managing Director Urvesh Desai said the corporation plays a key role in facilitating access into Zambia and supporting tourism growth.
Mr Desai noted that Zambia remains underserved by Asian and European airlines, highlighting the need for increased engagement with international carriers while encouraging local airlines to explore new routes and partnerships to close connectivity gaps.
He added that the corporation is working closely with the Zambia Tourism Agency to ensure stronger synergies across institutions that support the tourism sector.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority emphasised the importance of aviation in driving tourism development.
Public Relations Manager Sepiso Zimba said aviation and tourism are closely linked and must collaborate to accelerate sustainable growth through improved air transport connections.
Ms Zimba explained that discussions at ITB Berlin centred on attracting more airlines and increasing direct flights into Lusaka and Livingstone in order to enhance tourist arrivals.
During a tour of the Zambian exhibition stand, Winnie Natala Chibesakunda, Zambia’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, commended exhibitors for participating in the international tourism fair despite challenges affecting global travel.
She assured stakeholders that the Zambian Embassy in Berlin would continue partnering with industry players to support initiatives aimed at increasing tourist arrivals to Zambia.
Zambia has recorded steady growth in international tourism, with 2.2 million tourist arrivals in 2024 rising to 2.3 million in 2025. The growth has been partly driven by targeted marketing campaigns in key markets including Germany, the United Kingdom, North America, South Africa, India, China and the Gulf states.
Held from 3 to 5 March 2026, the ITB Berlin Trade Show is one of the world’s leading travel industry exhibitions. Zambia’s delegation included 15 co-exhibitors from private sector and quasi-government organisations, reflecting the country’s continued commitment to strengthening global partnerships and positioning itself as a premier tourism destination.
