The Southern African nation of Zambia has hit a run of international publicity that bodes well for its efforts to raise its tourism profile. Zambia is featured as a destination in Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue, its national soccer team just won the Africa Cup of Nations, pushing the team from 16th to fourth place in Africa, and Zambia has been selected to co-host with Zimbabwe the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organization Conference at Victoria Falls.

 “Zambia is home to Victoria Falls, to the walking safari and to one of the greatest wildlife reserves in the world, South Luangwa National Park,” said Zambia Tourism Director Margaret M. Makungo. “To have our country showcased in Sports Illustrated with all those beautiful models on site is just wonderful. Coming on top of our soccer team’s great championship is simply beyond description. And being named co-host country of the UN World Tourism Organization Conference in 2013 is icing on a many-layered cake.”

SI’s Swimsuit Issue is the planet’s most-read edition of any magazine. The 2012 issue was photographed in five countries, but Zambia is the first presented. Photographer Derek Kettela took shots of supermodels Genevieve Morton, Irina Shayk, Cintia Dicker and Kirby Griffin posed in a number of Zambia’s iconic locations and venues, including Livingstone Island near Victoria Falls. Morton, whose late mother was born in Zambia and dreamed of returning one day, said, “I feel like I’m fulfilling both her dream and mine.”

Victoria Falls, the world’s largest curtain of falling water and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is known locally as the “smoke that thunders” for its massive spray and pounding rush. The falls is Zambia’s proudest natural feature and a draw to tourists and honeymooners from around the world.

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