Zambia continues to join the global community in celebration of World Tourism Month, with activities that explore how digital innovations and artificial intelligence can be employed to develop and reshape the tourism sector.
On 17 September 2026, a Tourism and Technology Symposium was held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
Officiated by the guest of honour, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Tourism, Evans Muhanga, the symposium brought together the government, tourism professionals, technology experts, innovators, exhibitors, the media, entrepreneurs and key stakeholders.
It sparked conversations that stressed how digital technology and artificial intelligence can transform destinations and enhance visitor experience. Discussions further focused on how best the Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Technology and Science, and the Ministry of Transport and Logistics can cooperate to achieve 5 million arrivals in the next five years.
The three ministries focused on the alignment of smart tourism with the Eighth National Development Plan, Vision 2030, and the National Digital Transformation Strategy.
In his keynote speech, Permanent Secretary Muhanga said that embracing technology is a national pillar of the development agenda, which will impact how businesses attract travellers and how visitors experience local culture and wildlife in Zambia.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, Engineer Frederick Mwalusaka, shared that transport and tourism are like two sides of the same coin that cannot function without each other, but their interconnectedness will continue to thrive, develop both sectors, and by making mindful investments in digital technologies, innovations and artificial intelligence, grow the country’s economy.
Further, the Zambia Tourism Agency (ZTA) reminded everyone that progress is born out of deliberate innovations and, as such, highlighted the need to invest in digital infrastructure, engage in open collaboration, share deep industry insights and design practical strategies if we are to benefit from digital technology and artificial intelligence.
The symposium served as an opportunity to learn and share ideas that will improve and broaden the tourism system as its development remains a shared responsibility among equal partners.
By Immaculate Regina Sikanyika
