A new project that aims to position Livingstone as a “resilient, competitive and inclusive tourist destination” has been announced by the Zambian Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba. It will focus on improving the city’s streetscape and urban infrastructure to enhance visitor experience and overall destination appeal.
The Livingstone Town Centre Development Programme (LTCDP) is part of the country’s Green, Resilient and Transformational Tourism Development Plan supported by US$100 million in World Bank financing.
“Of the 2.2 million tourists who arrived in Zambia in 2024, between 65% and 70% landed in Livingstone,” Sikumba said. “This creates a lot of congestion on the road and it is thus our considered view to install more traffic lights.” The LTCDP will also include the rehabilitation of 8.3 km of inner roadsand the installation of nearly 1 000 streetlights to improve safety and mobility.
Industry players have welcomed the initiative, hoping it will be a strategic step to future-proof Livingstone as one of Zambia’s vital tourism destinations.
“Livingstone’s tourism offering remains anchored in its iconic natural asset, Victoria Falls, yet its long-term competitiveness will depend on enhancing the connectivity, visitor experience and urban infrastructure that support the broader destination,” Lindi Mthethwa, Regional Director: Sales and Marketing at Minor Hotels Middle East and Africa, told Tourism Update.
Key challenges include limited diversification of tourism products beyond Victoria Falls along with the need for stronger urban planning, clearer signage and better maintenance of public spaces across the town, Mthethwa added.
“Enhancing the flow between the airport, town and the Falls area, as well as upgrading amenities such as cafés, craft markets and green spaces, would make Livingstone a more dynamic, walkable and guest-friendly hub,” said Mthethwa.
Air access concerns
Lauren Summers, Marketing Director at Green Safaris, told Tourism Update that improved connectivity and air access are crucial to Livingstone’s growth as a leading tourist destination.
“One of the key challenges continues to be air access. At present, Livingstone has fewer direct international flights compared to Victoria Falls, which can make travel slightly less convenient for visitors. Enhancing air connectivity – by increasing the frequency and variety of flights to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport – would make a meaningful difference to accessibility and overall visitor numbers,” said Summers.
Operating costs and infrastructure are central to Livingstone’s competitiveness as a tourism destination, Summers highlighted. She noted that the city’s high operating cost environment — including landing fees — can discourage airlines from adding routes. Reducing these costs to make the airport more price-competitive could play a vital role in positioning Livingstone as a stronger regional gateway, said Summers.
At the same time, she emphasised that improvements in road networks, streetlighting, pedestrian pathways and public spaces are essential to creating a cohesive and accessible urban environment that supports visitors and local communities.
Summers also said there is a need to consider the broader financial environment for tourism businesses. “Ensuring local taxation and operating costs for tourism businesses remain balanced and aligned with broader economic realities will be critical to sustaining competitiveness, attracting further investment and supporting Livingstone’s long-term growth as a leading tourist destination.”
