By The governments of the Republic of Zambia and the Kingdom of Eswatini have entered into an agreement to jointly invigorate their tourism sectors.
The two governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema state visit to Eswatini. Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Thulisile Dladla signed on behalf of Eswatini Government while Minister of Tourism Rodney Sikumba signed on behalf of Zambia.
Through the MoU, the two countries agreed to coordinate, and maintain cooperation and joint activities in the tourism sector. They will also facilitate joint marketing of tourism and promotion of campaigns that will boost domestic, regional, and international tourism.
Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs Moses Vilakati said: “We will exchange information on tourists, investment matters, arranging conferences, festivals, symposiums and fairs, as well as other information relating to the sector.”
Vilakati went on to say that there will also be an exchange of staff and experts in the field of tourism to facilitate skill-transfer and best practices. Vilakati pointed out that they will endeavor to further develop linkages between the cultural tourism products in the respective countries that will promote tourism packages and improve their international competitiveness.
“A technical committee on tourism will also be created and will comprise representatives of national organisations linked with the sector from both countries. Each country is expected to communicate through diplomatic channels about their designate representatives of national organisations linked with tourism sector from both countries,” he said.
According to Vilakati, his ministry was given two months to implement what is contained in the MoU.
The agreement is valid for a period of five years and can automatically be renewed for an equal successive period. If both states decide to terminate the agreement, a notice is to be submitted six months earlier.
