Zambia crowned best leisure destination in Africa

Global Traveller, an international travel magazine, announced in its May leisure travel issue, citing a survey of its readers as the sole determinant of Zambia's current status. The ceremony took place at the Union League of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Thursday, May 16, 2024.

The survey for the magazine's 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards ran from July 15, 2023, to March 8, 2024, with open-ended questions sent via email and included as questionnaires inserted in subscriber copies.

In reaction to the win, Laurie Burr, Complex General Manager at The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara, just a stone's throw from Victoria Falls said "Being recognised as Africa’s top leisure destination is a significant achievement for Zambia. This accolade not only highlights our country’s breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant culture but also underscores the hard work and commitment of everyone in the Zambian hospitality industry. This honour will undoubtedly boost tourism, providing a substantial contribution to our economy and fostering sustainable growth for our communities. We are proud to be part of this thriving sector and look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience the wonders of Zambia.”

"Congratulations to the winners of Global Traveller’s 12th annual Leisure Lifestyle Awards. Everyone looks forward to leisure travel and to be a provider that goes above and beyond for that subset consistently is a true testament to a brand. Our readers know the best of the best in the travel industry, so this winners’ list is undoubtedly a guide to planning your next trip. Congratulations, winners — these accolades are well-deserved,” said Francis X. Gallagher, CEO of FXExpress Publications.

Zambia is renowned for its iconic sites such as Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, numerous parks, and many safari areas that captivate the adventurous spirit of travellers.

Despite all these incredible sceneries that set the nation apart from other Southern African countries, citizens are currently experiencing harsh drought conditions, the worst in 20 years.

Many countries in Southern Africa, including Zambia, are experiencing the severe impacts of El Niño and La Niña. These phenomena have destroyed numerous crops and caused unbearable hot temperatures in the country.

According to Reena Ghelani, the U.N. assistant secretary-general, and climate crisis coordinator for the El Niño and La Niña response, "There’s not going to be food on the table for many families, and they are not going to be able to purchase,” she said. “So we need to respond swiftly with assistance today. This might become the new normal so we need to prepare, as the president has said, for the future.”

Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia has urged all Southern African countries to collaborate in addressing food insecurity and the crisis in drought-affected nations.

“Unless we collectively utilise our resource endowments to support deficit areas, our regional economies will suffer, and our economic gains could be reversed due to this humanitarian crisis,” he wrote on Facebook.