current airport which is suck in the 70's its external is desperate need of an upgrade we've been asking for this for years
By ALVIN CHIINGA
VARIOUS stakeholders have commended President Sata for initiating the US$360 million Kenneth Kaunda International Airport upgrading project.
The Tourism Council of Zambia, Zambia Tourist Board (ZTB) and Proflight Zambia have commended President Sata for initiating the project which will, among other things, boost tourism in the country.
Tourism Council of Zambia president Felix Malunga said in an interview that the upgraded airport will increase the number of tourist arrivals in the country.
“The tourism industry will certainly improve after the completion of the construction works. When you talk about 4,000,000 million arrivals per annum, it is not a joke,” Mr Malunga said.
He said what is needed now is to start promoting Zambia’s tourism packages.
Mr Malunga said aviation policies should also be revised to accommodate the new development.
He said it will be sad to have such a huge investment that will not yield positive results if it is not properly utilised.
Mr Malunga said Zambia’s geographical position makes it possible for the country to become a regional hub in the aviation industry.
ZTB chief executive officer Felix Chaila also said the project will change the outlook of the airport and will brighten Zambia’s image internationally.
Mr Chaila said the modern facility at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport will increase arrivals in the country and this will in turn result in an increase in the number of tourists visiting Zambia.
Proflight Zambia director of government and industry affairs Philip Lemba said the new-look Kenneth Kaunda International Airport will make a huge difference to Proflight Zambia and the aviation sector in the region as a whole.
Captain Lemba said the state-of-the-art terminal will reinforce Zambia’s strides towards becoming a regional hub in aviation and will bring world-class facilities to the country.
He said the airport expansion project is good for Zambia’s travel and tourism sector.