Maravi

Namugala urges peace during polls

Namugala urges peace during polls
By Moses Kuwema
Thu 24 Mar. 2011, 04:01 CAT

THERE is need for Zambians to remain peaceful during this year's elections in order for the country's tourism sector to record sustainable growth, says tourism minister Catherine Namugala.

During the launch of the 5th African International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) conference at the Golden Bridge Hotel in Lusaka yesterday, Namugala said the tourism sector was very sensitive.

“We need to be peaceful in order for the tourism industry to grow. I call upon Zambians to remain peaceful even during this year's general elections, tourism sector is sensitive and acts of violence will scare away tourists.

“We need to preserve peace if we are to see sustainable growth in this sector,” Namugala said.

And Namugala said the 5th IIPT African conference would bring together models of mitigating and addressing the anticipated impacts of climate change on tourism in Africa and the developing world.

She said the goal was that the conference would provide a profile of the best practice from each of the developing regions of the world.

“It is worth noting that climate change is a major threat to sustainable growth and development in Africa, and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals. Impacts of climate change include among others, increased incidence of both drought and flooding, desertification, sea level rise, reduced freshwater availability, decreasing fish resources, cyclones, impacts on food security, all of which have an impact on tourism,” said Namugala.

The IIPT conference which is slated for May will be held under the theme “Meeting the challenges of climate change to tourism in Africa and the developing world”.

Labels: CATHERINE NAMUGALA, POLITICAL VIOLENCE

posted by MrK @ 7:11 PM