Opposition group Zambians for Empowerment and Development say that the reduction in tourists visiting Zambia is as a result of the country’s dented image under the Patriotic Front government.
ZED President Fred Mutesa said the reported 31% reduction in tourist visits by the Zambia Tourist Board is a sign that things are falling apart under President Michael Sata.
Mutesa said that the scenes of cadres battering opponents and also carrying coffins were hurting the country’s international image.
He observed that under ordinary circumstances the depreciation of the Kwacha may have meant tourists would be trooping to Zambia as it would have been cheaper for them.
“The reduction in tourists as announced by the Zambia Tourism Board is worrying. It shows how our image as a country has suffered. There is a sense of insecurity with cadres free to harass and beat up opponents moving around with coffins that tends to scare potential tourists,” he said.
“You can imagine the United States government has issued two security alerts in the last two months which is a huge statement on how the country is being perceived.”
The Zambia Tourism Board recently announced that it had recorded a 31% reduction in tourist visits to Zambia.
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