Mwewa sells Lusaka as a city of culture, food and clean streets at Busan tourism summit

Lusaka Mayor Chitambala Mwewa has called for global partnerships to help turn the capital into a tourist destination, telling fellow mayors in South Korea that sustainable tourism begins with a clean city. Mwewa delivered his Mayoral Statement at the Mayors' Roundtable of the 2nd Global City Tourism Summit in Busan. He asked partner cities to work with Lusaka on three things: smart city solutions, waste-to-value innovation, and digital destination marketing. The summit is being held under the theme "Local Tourism; Connecting Urban Economies and Tourism Innovation". It is hosted by the City of Busan with the Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities and the Busan Tourism Organization, and brings together mayors and delegates from cities across the world. ## Lusaka's pitch Mwewa told delegates that Lusaka, which he said is home to an estimated 3.1 million people, is positioning itself as a destination built on culture, heritage, local food and community experiences. He said the city has already started, naming Kabwata Cultural Village, city food tours, township arts, and the Make Lusaka Clean, Green and Healthy campaign. He told the roundtable that city tourism depends on reliable infrastructure, proper waste management, environmental protection and well-kept public spaces. The mayors and delegates signed a declaration committing their cities to a shared vision for sustainable city tourism by 2040. Mwewa urged cities to work towards that goal, describing it as one that promotes vibrant urban economies, innovation and liveable cities. ## What it means at home The Busan message matches the agenda Mwewa has pushed since taking office. Sworn in on 7 October, he has made cleanliness the centre of his mayoralty, launching Operation Clear Path to restore order in the city and calling for the Lusaka City Council police to be better equipped. The waste-to-value request is the one closest to residents' daily lives. Rubbish collection in Lusaka is a paid service ru