THE Victoria Falls Carnival set to take place at the weekend, is the best opportunity to market the United Nations World Tourism Organisations (UNWTO) indaba as multitudes of tourists from across the world are set to converge in the resort town for the event, mayor Nkosilathi Jiyane has said. Report by Richard Muponde
Jiyane, who is also the chairman of the UNWTO local organising committee, told NewsDay on Wednesday he would publicise the international tourism indaba when he makes his address during the official opening of the carnival.
“A lot of tourists from all over the world are coming for the event,” he said. “We are going to take this opportunity to market the UNWTO conference, so that they go back with that message and know that Zimbabwe is a hospitable country. We are adequately prepared to receive the tourists.
“Adequate water and good roads are at their disposal. In terms of security, we are partnering with the Zimbabwe Republic Police as a joint venture under the banner of Tourism Police. However, other facilities will be offered by the hosts.”
Victoria Falls Carnival is the main attraction other than the mighty Victoria Falls and the Rainforest in the resort town this festive season.
The resort town is a hive of activity as South African singer Zahara and Zimbabwean music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi are billed to perform at the festival which will take place from December 29 to 31.
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and a local organisation, Victoria Falls Green Fund have also partnered the Victoria Falls Carnival in a joint venture that will see more than 1 000 trees being planted in the resort town this festive season.
Victoria Falls and Livingstone in neighbouring Zambia, won the bid to co-host the general assembly.
