By NANCY MWAPE
KENYA Airways (KQ) has successfully launched its 60th destination, Livingstone that will provide travellers access to one of the world’s natural wonders, the Victoria Falls and an adventure playground.
The full flight accompanied by Zambia’s High Commissioner to Kenya Mary Mildred Zambezi touched Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula airport at 14:35 hours and departed at 16:10 hours.
The ninth 900 Embraer aircraft, a Brazilian make, was welcomed by the Minister of Tourism and Arts Sylvia Masebo, senior Government officials from Zambia and Kenya, staff from KQ, Zambia Tourist Board, National Airport Corporation Limited and the Livingstone dance troop.
KQ chief executive officer Titus Naikuni thanked Government for the support rendered to the airline from the period it started flying into Zambia.
Mr Naikuni said the 900 Embraer aircraft scheduled for the Livingstone route carries about 100 passengers and assured the people that the size of the aircraft would be changed as business grows in the tourist capital.
“We would like to open up Livingstone to the rest of the world. For those coming to Zambia, you have a lot to see. I have been here for a few days, visited the Victoria Falls three times and still want to go back,” he said.
Officiating at the function, Ms Masebo said no trip into Africa is complete without a visit to the world’s wonder, the Victoria Falls.
Ms Masebo said tourism in Africa is a key driver for social economic progress through export revenues, job creation, enterprise and infrastructure development.
She said Government is addressing tourism constraints such as high cost of rooms, consumables and poor access to tourism sites.
Ms Masebo said Government is focusing on promoting product diversification investment in tourism infrastructure, streamlining licence procedures to enhance capacity with a view of creating 300,000 jobs in the tourism sector over the next five years.
And Ms Zambezi called on the tour operators and the private sector to seize the opportunity provided by KQ and sell Zambia.
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