Home » TOURISM NEWS » Germany joins the UK, USA, France, and South Africa in Flocking to Zambia: How Airlines and Luxury Hotels are Struggling to Keep Up with Millions of Tourists!
Published on
January 28, 2026
Germany, the UK, and the USA are leading a surge of international travelers flocking to Zambia, with the country expected to reach a record-breaking 2.3 million tourists in 2025, marking a significant 4% rise from the previous year. This surge is not just a statistic; it’s a game-changer for Zambia’s tourism sector, which is witnessing a boom that is reshaping both the airline and hospitality industries. As more visitors from these nations, along with France and South Africa, flock to the heart of Southern Africa, airlines and luxury hotels are scrambling to keep up with the overwhelming demand. With Zambia’s iconic Victoria Falls, pristine national parks, and rich cultural heritage attracting more international attention, the country has rapidly become one of Africa’s most sought-after destinations. This tourism explosion is creating new opportunities but also significant challenges as airlines such as Proflight Zambia and British Airways ramp up their services, while renowned hotel chains like Marriott and Hilton expand their offerings to accommodate the influx of visitors. But with this rapid growth comes a pressing need for innovative solutions to keep the tourism experience smooth and satisfying for both the rising number of tourists and the local industry. As the world’s interest in Zambia soars, travelers are poised to explore everything from thrilling safaris to world-class accommodations—making now the perfect time to book a trip to Zambia before the next wave of travelers descends.
Germany Joins UK, USA, France, and South Africa in Flocking to Zambia: How Airlines and Luxury Hotels are Struggling to Keep Up with 2.3 Million Tourists in 2025!
Zambia is experiencing an exhilarating tourism boom, with the country expecting to reach 2.3 million international tourist arrivals in 2025, a 4% rise compared to the previous year. This surge is creating a ripple effect across the airline and hospitality industries. Airlines are rapidly expanding their routes and capacity to meet the growing demand, while luxury hotels and other accommodations are facing challenges to keep up with the influx of visitors. This massive tourism spike presents exciting opportunities for travelers, but it also highlights the need for proactive solutions in the travel sector. In this article, we explore the profound impact on Zambia’s tourism, airlines, and the hospitality industry, and provide essential travel tips for visitors planning a trip to this beautiful African destination.
Zambia’s Tourist Boom in 2025: The Impact on Airlines
Zambia’s 4% increase in international tourist arrivals to 2.3 million is a sign of a robust tourism industry and increased global interest in the country’s natural beauty, culture, and safari experiences. International tourists are flocking to Zambia from countries such as Germany, the UK, the USA, France, and South Africa, significantly boosting demand for flights into the country.
In particular, airlines like Proflight Zambia, British Airways, and South African Airways have seen an uptick in passenger traffic, with several carriers expanding their services to meet the growing demand. Proflight Zambia, the country’s leading airline, is expanding its routes within Africa, connecting key international hubs like Johannesburg, Nairobi, and Lusaka. Proflight’s expansion is also evident in its increased flights to Livingstone, home to the iconic Victoria Falls, one of Zambia’s most visited tourist attractions. The rise in demand has led to improved air connectivity, particularly from European and African destinations, offering travelers more options for reaching Zambia.
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British Airways and other international carriers have ramped up their operations to Zambia, with additional direct flights from London, the USA, and France. British Airways, which already has an established route to Zambia, has expanded its offerings to include more weekly flights to Lusaka, the country’s capital. Additionally, American airlines like Delta and United Airlines have responded to Zambia’s growing appeal by increasing the number of flights to Lusaka and introducing new services connecting Zambia to major US cities.
The influx of tourists from Germany, the UK, USA, France, and South Africa is also contributing to the rise in flight frequencies from these countries, reflecting Zambia’s growing status as an international tourism hotspot. This influx is having a positive impact on Zambia’s aviation sector, with airlines securing more bookings and filling their seats to capacity. However, as airlines continue to respond to the growing demand, they are also experiencing operational challenges, such as increased competition for landing slots at busy international airports and a need for additional staff to handle the surge in passengers.
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Travelers can expect an expanding number of options to reach Zambia, with major carriers offering competitive pricing, better routes, and added amenities to ensure comfortable travel. For those booking their flights to Zambia, it is essential to book early to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price hikes, especially during peak tourist seasons like the dry months from May to October when Zambia experiences its most pleasant weather.
Luxury Hotels Struggling to Keep Up with Zambia’s Tourism Surge
While Zambia’s tourism growth is undeniably positive, it is placing considerable pressure on the country’s hospitality industry. With 2.3 million tourists expected in 2025, the demand for accommodation is at an all-time high, particularly in key tourist destinations like Lusaka, Livingstone, and the South Luangwa National Park. Major international hotel chains such as Marriott, Radisson Blu, and Hilton are seeing their properties fully booked as travelers from Germany, the UK, the USA, France, and South Africa flock to Zambia.
Marriott’s Protea Hotels, a leading brand in Zambia, has expanded its operations by opening new locations and increasing its room capacity. The company is responding to the surge in tourism with a focus on offering luxury accommodations close to Zambia’s major tourist attractions, like Victoria Falls and the national parks. The Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower, for example, is often fully booked during peak seasons, and travelers are encouraged to book in advance.
Radisson Blu, another prominent player in Zambia’s hotel industry, is expanding its footprint in Livingstone, which is a gateway to the iconic Victoria Falls. The Radisson Blu Resort Livingstone is a popular choice for international visitors who wish to experience the thrill of the falls, and it has been consistently booked out during peak travel periods. As the number of tourists grows, Radisson Blu is working to add more rooms and services to accommodate the rising demand.
Hilton, one of the largest hotel chains globally, is also seeing an increase in bookings for its Lusaka and Livingstone properties. With a growing number of international tourists visiting Zambia for safaris, wildlife viewing, and cultural experiences, Hilton has made significant investments in improving its infrastructure and services to provide the highest standards of luxury to its guests. The Hilton Garden Inn in Lusaka is particularly popular among business travelers and tourists alike, offering modern amenities and close proximity to key business and cultural districts.
However, despite the expansion efforts by major hotel chains, the industry is struggling to meet demand. Many smaller, independent hotels and lodges in Zambia are reaching full capacity during peak seasons. While this is great for the country’s tourism sector, it also means that travelers may face challenges in securing reservations if they don’t plan ahead. It is highly recommended for tourists to book accommodations well in advance, especially for popular destinations like Livingstone, South Luangwa, and Kafue National Park.
What Does This Mean for Tourists?
For travelers heading to Zambia, the tourism boom offers numerous advantages. Visitors can look forward to an abundance of flight options from major international airports in Germany, the UK, the USA, France, and South Africa. The influx of tourists is also boosting Zambia’s tourism infrastructure, with new hotels, lodges, and resorts popping up across the country. This is providing more choices for visitors seeking a range of experiences, from luxury stays to budget-friendly lodgings.
Additionally, Zambia’s tourism surge is encouraging the development of more tour operators, safari companies, and adventure activities. Tourists can now enjoy a wider variety of experiences, including walking safaris, river cruises, cultural experiences, and visits to Zambia’s breathtaking national parks and wildlife reserves. The government of Zambia has also been investing in improving its tourism infrastructure, making it easier for visitors to access major attractions.
One of the major highlights for visitors to Zambia is the Victoria Falls, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known as the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls attracts tourists from all over the globe. Tourists visiting Zambia can take part in exhilarating activities such as white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and helicopter flights over the falls. With the growing number of international visitors, Zambia’s government is also focusing on preserving the environment and mitigating the effects of human-wildlife conflict, which has been a significant concern in recent years.
South Luangwa National Park is another top destination for safari lovers, known for its diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and elephants. As the number of tourists to this park increases, new tour companies and lodges are emerging, offering unique and immersive safari experiences. South Luangwa is also famous for its walking safaris, which are gaining popularity among adventure-seeking travelers who want to experience the African wilderness up close and personal.
For tourists traveling to Zambia, it’s important to be mindful of the peak seasons. The dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Zambia for safaris and wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around waterholes and the weather is cooler and more comfortable. However, this is also when the highest number of tourists visit, so travelers should book their flights and accommodations as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Traveling to Zambia has become easier with improved air connectivity and more flight options. As Zambia’s tourism sector continues to grow, travelers can expect more competitive prices and better travel services. Airlines like Proflight Zambia, British Airways, and Lufthansa are all providing enhanced flight schedules, while major hotels are offering better deals for tourists.
Travel Tips for Tourists Visiting Zambia
Book Flights Early: With the tourism boom in Zambia, flights to Lusaka, Livingstone, and other tourist hubs can fill up quickly. Book your flight well in advance to secure the best deals and avoid last-minute price increases.Plan Accommodation in Advance: Major hotels and lodges in Zambia are reaching full capacity during peak seasons. Be sure to reserve your accommodation ahead of time, especially if you’re visiting popular destinations like Victoria Falls or South Luangwa National Park.Pack Appropriately: Zambia’s climate varies depending on the season. The dry season (May to October) is cooler and ideal for safaris, while the wet season (November to April) can be hot and humid. Pack light clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the evenings.Health and Safety: Make sure to get any necessary vaccinations before traveling to Zambia, such as yellow fever, and consult with your doctor for malaria prevention. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent and sunscreen.Respect Local Culture: Zambia is known for its warm and welcoming people, but it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Learn a few words in Bemba or Nyanja to show respect for the local culture.Consider a Travel Insurance: As with any international trip, it’s a good idea to invest in travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances, such as flight delays or cancellations.Wrapping Up
Zambia’s tourism industry is experiencing remarkable growth in 2025, with a projected 2.3 million international visitors. Airlines and luxury hotels are working hard to accommodate the influx of tourists from Germany, the UK, the USA, France, and South Africa. For travelers, this is an exciting time to visit Zambia, as new opportunities for exploration and adventure emerge. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling safari experience or a relaxing stay at a luxury resort, Zambia has something for everyone. So pack your bags, book your flights early, and get ready to discover one of Africa’s most captivating destinations!
