• Italian Government appreciates commitment and support given to the Italian community.
• Creation of the Zambia-Italian Cultural Centre is a multipurpose facility.
• Training Zambian students in Italian cuisine will build capacity for hospitality industry.

Minister of Tourism and Arts says the training of Zambian students in Italian cuisine will build capacity for the hospitality industry in both countries.

Speaking when Italian Ambassador to Zambia Antinino Maggiore presented a Certificate of Honour to him in Lusaka, Ronald Chitotela stated that the project will provide a platform for foreign tourists and Zambians to come and enjoy the Italian cuisine in Zambia and vice versa.

Mr. Chitotela noted that the country’s bilateral relations with Italy that date back to 1966 have benefited Zambia through the support to various developmental projects vital to the tourism sector.

He said, “Europe being one of the key tourism source markets for Zambian tourism, the project has great potential to contribute to an increase in tourist inflow from Europe to Zambia.”

Mr. Chitotela implored the students who will be trained in Italian cuisine to ensure that they learn as fast as they can, while in Italy and bring back home the skills and knowledge that will add value to the industry in Zambia.

Meanwhile, Italian Ambassador to Ambassador Maggiore said the Italian Government appreciated the commitment and supported given to the Italian community in the creation of the Zambia-Italian Cultural Centre.

Ambassador Maggiore said, “the cultural center which is a multipurpose facility is equipped with a first-rate sound system, which can accommodate 300 people and can host theatrical performances, cinemas, conferences, seminars, and economic and cultural promotion events.”

He disclosed that his Government has extended an invitation to five students from Zambia institute for tourism and hospitality studies and one lecturer in International Cuisine, to travel to Italy for a period of four weeks in order to learn more about Italian cuisine.

The Italian Government has honored Mr. Chitotela for his contribution to the promotion of the bilateral relations in the cultural sector.