Zambian tour guide promotes domestic tourism through social media

Published on : Friday, April 23, 2021

For the last one-year, it has been an extremely difficult phase for tourism in Zambia. Like any developing country, Zambia for survival, is dependent on international visitors as well.

Many of those who were employed in tourism, by mid 2020, had lost their jobs as businesses wrap up as a result of a drastic drop in international tourist numbers.

A 35-year-old Joseph Phiri, a tour guide, started on an initiative at encouraging indigenous Zambians to visit various domestic places of attractions within the country. This would contribute to the survival of the industry.

Phiri, before COVID, coordinated group tours for international travelers, has been arranging group tours to popular Zambia attractions.

The return tour packages include transport to and from the destination, boat cruises, site visits along with lodging and food and cost 2,000 to 3,000 Zambian Kwacha per head, for three days.

“COVID-19 is a real threat to the tourism sector. One sure way of preventing firms in this sector from shutting down and disappearing completely is by encouraging local people to visit tourist attraction sites,” Phiri asserted.

At present, arranging for a camping tour to Livingstone, the tourist capital of Zambia, Phiri disclosed that from ordinary Zambians, he has received awesome response since he started promoting local tourism using social media.

“The whole idea started in July last year under the banner Journey to Samfya, and the response was good. I had over 30 people visit Samfya in Luapula Province of Zambia. Ever since, the response has been overwhelming to an extent that I have had to turn away a good number of people at some point because I only need a maximum of 60 per trip,” said Phiri, a resident of Livingstone.