{"id":1197,"date":"2025-04-14T11:26:41","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T11:26:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/missions.grz.gov.zm\/brasilia\/?p=1197"},"modified":"2025-04-14T11:26:41","modified_gmt":"2025-04-14T11:26:41","slug":"hon-sikumba-press","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/missions.grz.gov.zm\/brasilia\/?p=1197","title":{"rendered":"HON SIKUMBA PRESS"},"content":{"rendered":"

REPUBLIC OF ZAMBIA<\/strong><\/p>\n

PRESS STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER OF TOURISM HON. RODNEY M. SIKUMBA M.P <\/strong><\/p>\n

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia \u2013 14th<\/sup> November, 2024-<\/strong> The Government of the Republic of Zambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering collaboration in the field of tourism. The agreement was signed in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia by the Honorable Minister of Tourism of Zambia, Hon. Rodney M. Sikumba, MP and the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Ahmed Al Khateeb.<\/p>\n

This landmark agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations, with a focus on enhancing tourism exchange, capacity building and the development of sustainable tourism initiatives. The MoU outlines key areas of cooperation, including practices and support for mutual tourism infrastructure development.<\/p>\n

The signing of the MoU is also part of a broader strategy to diversify Zambia\u2019s tourism sector, attract investment and open new markets for Zambian tourism products. Both countries have recognized the immense potential for growth in tourism which can contribute significantly to the \u00a0\u00a0economies of the two countries, create jobs, and promote cultural exchange.<\/p>\n

This agreement is testament to the growing relationship between Zambia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Zambia looks forward to the shared expertise and experiences that will help elevate Zambia\u2019s tourism sector as well as the opportunities for Saudi tourists to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty Zambia has to offer.<\/p>\n

Hon. Sikumba assured his counterpart of Zambia’s commitment to working closely with Saudi Arabia to promote sustainable tourism and foster people -to-people connections. The two Ministers believe this collaboration will contribute to enhancing the tourism experience in both countries and will open new doors for tourists from Saudi Arabia to discover Zambia\u2019s exceptional offerings and vice versa.<\/p>\n

As part of the agreement, both nations agreed to collaborate in the areas of tourism infrastructure development, including facilitation of air connectivity and hospitality training programs. \u00a0The MoU also envisions support for exchange of tourism experts and the establishment of a framework for both countries to share research, market insights and strategies for promoting tourism.<\/p>\n

This agreement underscores both Zambia\u2019s and Saudi Arabia\u2019s commitment to building stronger partnerships and expanding opportunities to collaborate on the global tourism industry arena. Both countries are looking forward to the speedy implementation of the provisions of the MoU to begin achieving quick mutual goals of strengthening the tourism sectors of both countries.<\/p>\n

The signing of the MoU was witnessed by the Ambassador of Zambia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr. Duncan Mulima and Her Excellency, Ambassador of Zambia to France and Permanent Delegate to UN Tourism, Ms. Judith Mulenga.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Mulima takes this opportunity to call on Saudi and Zambian business houses to optimize this privilege, in the framework of this expanded level of cooperation, to cease and utilize every potential business opportunity to invest in both Zambia and Saudi.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Mulima observes that religious tourism (Hajji and Umrah) has been dominant between Zambia and Saudi. So, the signing of this MoU opens doors to more aspects of tourism.<\/p>\n

For instance, Zambian cuisines should cross borders, to be appreciated in the Kingdom. Ambassador Mulima explains that the MoU also gives Zambia a great opportunity to enhance capacity building, attract the much-needed investments in hospitality infrastructure development and to promote increased tourists traffic between Zambia and Saudi Arabia. Thus, the signing of the MoU between the two sister countries is a great milestone.<\/p>\n