Tourism and Hospitality minister Walter Mzembi says Zimbabwe remains on course to host a successful 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in August.
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Mzembi was addressing journalists after a meeting with visiting UNWTO chief of conferences Munur Rayes and regional director for Africa Ousmane Ndiaye in Harare yesterday.
“It’s a matter of public record now that we are absolutely committed through the trilateral signature of President (Robert) Mugabe, President (Michael) Sata and UNWTO secretary-general,” Mzembi said.
“Beyond that trilateral signature is execution of the promise that we made to the world that we are ready and fit to host the conference.”
He said the success of the general assembly would be measured by the turnout of bona fide delegates to the event.
The General Assembly, Mzembi added was not a “cash-in” event where industry players should plot to bleed the visiting delegates, but an opportunity to market the country that had over the years received negative publicity relating to governance issues.
“This is a marketing opportunity for brand Zimbabwe and to the maximum extent possible, what we must be focusing on is the post-general assembly benefits.
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“It can’t be that we are lying in wait to bleed the delegates as much as possible,” he said.
The UNWTO team met Vice-President Joice Mujuru to review the state of preparedness in Zimbabwe to host the general assembly.
Rayes said they would be heading for Victoria Falls to get to the bottom of how well preparations are proceeding.
“We will be starting our technical visit tomorrow (today) in Victoria Falls . . . There is nothing much to see here (in Harare) since the session will be held in Victoria Falls.
“There, we will review the facilities in place, the venue and a few other logistical issues. It’s a visit as usual. From what I have seen so far it’s on track,” Rayes added.
