Proflight Secures Best Tourism Transportation Award
Proflight Zambia has clinched the coveted title of Best Tourism Transportation at the prestigious Tourism Excellence Awards, underscoring its contribution to the growth of the nation’s transport, tourism and economy sectors.
The Tourism Excellence Awards, themed “Sustainable Tourism: Preserve and Prosper”, highlighted Proflight’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, solidifying its position as a responsible industry leader.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Rodney M. Sikumba, said, “The Tourism and Excellence Awards aim to uphold the extraordinary contributions of individuals and organisations that have pushed the boundaries of excellence. The awards resonate with each of us and our role in creating the magic of travel.”
The minister congratulated all the award recipients and industry stakeholders, emphasising their pivotal role in achieving Zambia’s ambitious target of 1.5 million international tourist arrivals for the year. This ambition is evident in the remarkable 23% increase in international arrivals in the third quarter of 2023.
Proflight has been instrumental in fostering the expansion of the aviation and tourism sectors through its strategic tourism-focused routes, encompassing Livingstone, Mfuwe, Jeki and Royal in the Lower Zambezi. These specific routes are key in enhancing Zambia’s visibility and influence on the global tourism stage.
Captain Josias Walubita, Director of Flight Operations at Proflight Zambia, emphasised the airline’s dedication to providing world-class services, stating, “The award is a genuine acknowledgement of the airline’s dedication and impact on growing Zambia’s tourism. Proflight focuses on delivering dependable, punctual, and secure services that substantially contribute to the economy.”
The airline’s resilience post-COVID-19 is evident in its surpassing of previous benchmarks, showcasing robust growth in passenger numbers, fleet expansion, route networks, and seat capacity.
In 2022, Proflight marked an impressive 89% recovery rate from 2019 on vital tourism routes, setting a positive trajectory for the industry. The momentum has continued in 2023, with a notable 10% increase in traffic to Livingstone and a 3% uptick to Mfuwe for the airline compared to 2019. The overall domestic network has experienced a commendable 36% upswing.
Through strategic initiatives and partnerships in 2023, the airline made a substantial rebound. These include reopening regional and local routes, introducing a new direct service to Cape Town, expanding the fleet with two 50-seat CRJs, introducing a cargo freighter, and adding new routes such as Lusaka/Mansa, Lusaka/Kalumbila, and the reintroduction of Lusaka/Durban.
The airline’s commitment to safety is unwavering, evidenced by its outstanding safety record and strict compliance with aviation regulations. Innovative booking and ticketing processes, available online and in physical offices, enhance travellers’ convenience, offering various payment options, including credit/debit cards, cash transfers, PayPal, and mobile money.
Proflight thanks the Ministry of Tourism, Zambia Tourism Agency, Tourism Council of Zambia, and other stakeholders for organising the prestigious event.
The airline is proud to be part of this positive industry and to boost the country’s tourist arrivals, enhance the tourism product and increase awareness for Destination Zambia.
Proflight Zambia now looks ahead to even greater growth, positioning itself as a pivotal player in the ongoing development of Zambia’s tourism and economic landscape.
