Emirates Airline commits to promoting tourism in Zambia

EMIRATES Airlines country manager for Zambia Khalid Hassan says the airline is promoting Zambia tourism as a tourist destination throughout its worldwide network in an effort to increase the inflow of international tourists in the country.
Mr Hassan says the airline will work with Zambian and international travel agents by making connectivity easy for the tourists who want to sample the Victoria Falls and other tourist attraction sites dotted around the country.
Preliminary data shows the number of international passengers at Zambia's major airports grew by 17 percent in the first half of 2010.
He said the airline will continue to market the world-famous Victoria Falls and other tourist attraction areas such as safaris.
"This new Emirates service will further support this growth by bringing leisure and business travellers from points across the airline's global network," he said.
Mr Hassan said the airline will engage local travel and international agents to explore the local tourism industry.
He said Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and Emirates sees potential for continued growth in the future.
He said this month (April) Emirates launched its new global brand platform, "Hello Tomorrow", which positions the global airline as the enabler of global connectivity and meaningful experiences.
"The theme encapsulates life's potential and embraces the future with all the possibilities it holds," he said.

The airline flies to 123 destinations across six continents, connecting cities through Dubai.
"These new routes give Zambian travellers new opportunities to explore the world, discover new cultures and connect with people," he said.
He said the airline is providing an efficient bridge to the Middle East, Far East, North America and the Indian sub-continent; and will open new opportunities for business and leisure travellers both in Zambia and worldwide.
Mr Hassan said the main objective of the airline in Zambia is not only to grow its business but to also invest in the local talent.
He said Emirates currently employs 25 qualified Zambian staff.
The airline currently operates 170 aircraft – a mix of 162 Airbus and Boeing passenger aircraft and eight freighters.