The hospitality sector in Zambia is strongly driven by its status as a prime tourist destination. According to the most recent data by the Ministry of Tourism, tourism contributed 5.8% to Zambian GDP in 2021, a 35% increase from 2020. Although it offers prime destinations such as the safari resorts, Victoria falls, wildlife resources, and the Zambezi river, the potential of tourism in Zambia is still largely untapped making it a prime location for hospitality investments.

Interestingly, the market had begun to pick up, prior to 2020. The hospitality industry was attracting global interests and investments with international operators, such as Rotana, signing a hotel management agreement with Grandview Hotels and Resort in 2018. Furthermore, Protea Hotels by Marriott also signed an agreement with Union Gold Zambia Limited for the construction of the new 241-room Protea Hotels by Marriott Bonanza Estate. 

As the industry recovers back to pre-pandemic levels, there is renewed international interest as evidenced by Radisson Hotel Group opening their first African resort in Zambia in December 2022, with further plans to open another hotel in Lusaka later in 2023. 

 

The Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort their first safari resort in Africa

Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of their first safari resort in Africa named Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia in December 2022. The resort is located close to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and 4 km northwest of the famous Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The safari resort will be operated with sustainability as a key focus, demonstrated by the group signing the UNESCO Sustainable Tourism Pledge and utilizing sustainable building materials during construction. Additionally, the EDGE green building certified resort operates with 20% energy efficiency and water reduction. Opened on the 15th of December, it features:

• 200 rooms, suites, and villas offering views of the Zambezi River
• A fitness center and spa
• Swimming pools
• A ballroom of over 500 sqm
• Boardrooms and meeting rooms

Tim Cordon, Chief Commercial Officer, Middle East & Africa, Radisson Hotel Group expressed his delight at the new resort and announced plans for further projects in Zambia. “Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort, Zambia represents a unique destination for our guests to discover and explore. The expansion of our presence in Zambia demonstrates our belief in the country’s potential. This hotel is our second property in Zambia, following the opening of Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka, with a third hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres, due to open in 2023.”

So far, Radisson Hotel Group’s portfolio in Zambia includes:

• Radisson Blu Hotel, Lusaka
• Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Livingstone Resort 
• Park Inn by Radisson Lusaka, Longacres (coming soon)

These hotels are all contributing to the group’s ambitious aim of reaching 150 hotels in operation and under development in Africa by 2025. With the number of active hotels currently set at 62, it will be interesting to find out the new locations that the group is looking to explore within the continent.

Zambian Hospitality Outlook

Overall, there are reasons to be positive about the hospitality outlook in Zambia as travel restrictions subside and more people visit the country. Data on the number of visitors in the country gathered by the Zambian Ministry of Tourism from 2021 already indicate an upward trend with a 10.5% increase in international tourist arrivals compared to 2020. This trend is expected to continue barring any major hindrances in the near future.

 

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