A study of the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of Zambia’s hospitality industry

This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of Zambia's hospitality industry, focusing on the years 2015 to 2022. Initially, the research aimed to understand the industry’s trajectory through its pre-pandemic growth and diversification, followed by its response to the pandemic’s challenges. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the investigation combined quantitative data from Zambia’s Tourism Statistical Digests with qualitative insights from interviews conducted with officials in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of trends in tourist arrivals, occupancy rates, revenues, and employment within the hospitality sector. The findings revealed that the period from 2015 to 2019 was marked by significant growth in the industry. For instance, international tourist arrivals rose from 931,782 in 2015 to 1,009,173 in 2017, accompanied by an increase in tourism revenue. However, the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 led to a dramatic downturn, highlighted by a 56.2% decline in international tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. In response to the pandemic, the Zambian government issued several Statutory Instruments, such as the Tourism and Hospitality (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 and the Tourism and Hospitality (Registration of Hotel Managers) (Temporary Disapplication of Registration Fee) Regulations, 2020. These were aimed at providing financial relief and maintaining regulatory compliance within the industry. By 2022, the industry began showing recovery signs, including a 10.5% increase in tourist arrivals from 2020 to 2021. The resilience of Zambia's hospitality industry in the face of the pandemic was evident. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for future growth, highlighting the importance of Public-Private Partnership models to enhance infrastructure and service quality. It also emphasizes the need for Market Diversification and Niche Tourism Development, focusing on promoting less explored destinations like Lake Bangweulu and traditional ceremonies such as the Kuomboka ceremony, to broaden the industry's appeal and resilience