Government has invited tenders for the construction of critical amenities in Victoria Falls to be used during next year’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly amid revelations last week the country had exaggerated its capacity to host the event.
The tenders are for the construction of the proposed Victoria Falls resort villas, convention centre and a three-star hotel. The deadline for submission of the bids is July 31.
Zimbabwe won the bid to jointly co-host the global event with Zambia at the Victoria Falls resort in August next year after strong lobbying by Tourism and Hospitality minister Walter Mzembi.
But senior government officials last week admitted before Parliament that the country had exaggerated its capacity to host the event adding most projects had either been scaled back or abandoned due to lack of funds.
To date, three sites have been set aside with government and key stakeholders yet to make a final decision.
It also emerged that though Cabinet approved the construction of a permanent structure, however, due to the time left before the congress begins a tent made up of aluminium glass fabrication that can last between 15-20 years would be put up.
Close to 4 000 delegates from 186 countries, industry representatives and international journalists are expected to attend.
