Zambia Honours Top Accommodation Providers in Landmark Tourism Grading Awards
Zambia’s tourism sector marked a major milestone as the Ministry of Tourism, through the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA), awarded 36 accommodation establishments for achieving international quality standards under the national Star Grading system.
The Star Grading Awards, held in Lusaka last night, celebrated excellence in hospitality and emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing Zambia’s reputation as a world-class travel destination.
Delivering the keynote address, Evans Muhanga, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, said the grading initiative is critical to positioning Zambia as a top-choice destination.
“These certificates are not just awards; they are symbols of excellence and commitment to delivering world-class experiences to our visitors,” he said.
The grading process is governed by Statutory Instrument No. 14 of 2018, and rates establishments based on internationally recognized hospitality benchmarks. The initiative is designed to boost tourist confidence, promote safety and comfort, and enhance Zambia’s competitiveness on the global stage.
ZTA CEO Matongo Matamwandi highlighted the far-reaching benefits of the program, noting that graded establishments enjoy greater visibility, customer trust, and revenue growth.
“We urge all ungraded accommodation providers to come forward and be part of this transformative initiative,” he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Tourism Council of Zambia Chairperson Yusuf Zumla commended the private sector for its dedication to quality service and stressed the strategic importance of consistent hospitality standards.
“Graded accommodation assures tourists of safety and quality, making this a game-changer in how Zambia is perceived globally,” said Mr. Zumla.
The Ministry announced plans to grade 50 establishments in 2025 as part of an expanded strategy to improve service delivery and attract over 2.4 million international tourists this year. Tourism currently contributes over 3% to Zambia’s GDP, and quality assurance remains central to its sustainable growth.
The Ministry congratulated all awardees and reaffirmed its call for all service providers in the sector to pursue certification and help build a thriving, high-quality tourism industry.
