An assessment of tourism related laws in promoting a favourable investment and business climate for nature-based tourism and achieving economic development

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Date
2013-05-07
Authors
Mando, Munuka Kate
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Abstract
The Zambian economy has since independence largely relied on the mining industry to drive the economy. However, over time the Zambia as a country has embarked on diversification of the sectors that are identified as pillars for the country's economic growth. The tourism industry in Zambia has been reclassified from a social to an economic sector and as such it has become one of the core sectors identified to push for Zambia's economic growth as the country seeks to diversify its economy. It is however important to note that for the tourism sector to effectively participate in the drive towards economic development, the industry must have a conducive investment and business climate to facilitate the much desired economic growth. In view of the foregoing this research seeks to establish why Zambia despite having great tourism potential is lagging behind in reaping benefits from the availability and utilization of such resources. Therefore the main objective of this research is to assess the efficacy of the tourism regulatory framework in providing a favourable investment and business climate for nature based tourism and achieving economic development for the Zambian economy. Firstly, this paper outlines the government policy for the tourism sector and gives an overview of Zambia's tourism potential. Secondly, the current state of the tourism related laws and the prevailing trends in regulation is given and thirdly briefcase studies of Kenya, Zimbabwe and South Africa are given. The case studies highlighting aspects of how their tourism industries are regulated. Fourthly, a closer look on the laws regulating the tourism industry is given through the assessment of the current state of the law. In the assessment this paper highlights issues such as the inequality and administrative barriers that prevail within the sector and stresses that such impediments do not promote a conducive investment and business climate. Finally, based on the assessment of the regulatory framework, a conclusion is drawn and recommendations that are aimed at improving the image of the tourism sector are given. Some of the recommendations include: pursuing education and human resource development, ensuring the improvement of infrastructure and Tourism facilities nationwide, providing improved funding to ZAWA and other Tourism related Agencies as well as review of the taxation, licensing and administrative systems.
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Land-use , land law
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