Cultural tourism in Zambia: a case study of Umutomboko traditional ceremony, 1961-2017.

Abstract

This study discusses cultural tourism in Zambia with Umutomboko traditional ceremony as a case study. Utilising both primary and secondary sources of information as well as analysing data qualitatively, the study examines the genesis of the concept of Umutomboko ceremony, explores the development and transformations that the ceremony underwent between 1961 and 2017 and also assesses the socio-economic effects of the ceremony. In explaining the transformation of the Umutomboko ceremony, the development of cultural tourism in Zambia is discussed. The study also discusses the political influence which various governments have had on the transformation of Umutomboko from 1961 to 2017. In its original concept, the Umutomboko ceremony was, before 1961, a local affair of the Lunda Royal household. The Umutomboko ceremony was only celebrated on special occasions such as when a prince or princess was born, when making human sacrifice (before it was abolished) and when installing a new king. The celebration of Umutomboko ceremony changed from being a local affair in 1971 and became an affair of the nation under different influential political leaders. The study demonstrates how each time Mwata Kazembe performed rituals and other processions prior to the Umutomboko celebrations, during the event and up to the end of the celebration. The study also shows that the event was transformed and became a tourist attraction, a business avenue, a tool for rural development and employment. The event also sold Zambia to the world and offered an advertisement opportunity for various companies. The event did not hold without having an impact on the local and visiting people. The positive social impact of Umutomboko were socialisation, learning, community engagement and building and cultural exploration. Some negative social effects discussed are exposure to bad vices, overcrowding, inadequate accommodation facilities and increase in the rate of crime. What started as an ordinary cultural celebration of the Lunda speaking people of Mwata Kazembe in the Luapula Province in 1961 later grew and was transformed from 1971 into a tourist attraction of national and international significance with both positive and negative effects.