THE Senegalese Minister of Tourism and Culture, Youssou N’Dour, is rallying behind Zimbabwe and Zambia’s co-hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organistion (UNWTO) General Assembly to be held in Victoria Falls from August 24 to 29. Report by Nelly Nhauranwa
Speaking at the Fitur travel show in Madrid Spain, N’Dour said Senegal was throwing its weight behind Zimbabwe and Zambia’s co-hosting of the event.
The minister said he always had an affinity for Zimbabwe since the 80’s when he started visiting the country.
“It is a joy to note that Zimbabwe will be co-hosting a conference of such great magnitude, a sure sign that she is out of the woods and we are behind her 100%. Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with phenomenal wildlife, nature and friendly people. It needs to be showcased by taking advantage of mega events such as the UNWTO,” said N’Dour.
Minister N’Dour, who is also a world-acclaimed singer and percussionist, was followed by various international media as is the norm with celebrities to the Zimbabwe stand in Spain thereby further profiling the destination.
In the same matrix, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Walter Mzembi received this support and pledged some reciprocity in the future.
“Indeed we acknowledge the support rendered by Senegal and it is our hope that we can further engage each other for tourism development thereby strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries,” he said.
“This is a further endorsement that Zimbabwe is a safe destination of choice capable of hosting international Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE). It is always gratifying to have support of a fellow brother and this in turn will add spur to our preparations so that we do not let the continent down,” added Mzembi.
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Meanwhile, Zimbabwe recorded lucrative business during Fitur. Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) chief executive Karikoga Kaseke expressed optimism that Zimbabwe would attain a reasonable market share in the Spanish market judging from the brisk business that the Zimbabwe stand had enjoyed.
“This year’s edition of Fitur has taken a different tone from the usual as we have more traffic at our stand. Several enquiries have come through and even agreements have already reached, the major highlight being KLM bringing Spanish tour operators for a familiarisation tour to Zimbabwe.
“In this manner we can take on the Spanish market to greater heights so as to realise tremendous growth in tourist arrivals,” said Kaseke. The hosting of the UNWTO also had an upsurge effect of the visitation of the Zimbabwean stand at Fitur as it towered other stands.
“This year’s stand is bigger and better from last years’ as we have taken up bigger space and have designed it in a manner that we are highly visible such that the Spanish market cannot afford to ignore us. Our co-hosting of the UNWTO has also attracted maximum attention from which we hope to extract tourist traffic,” remarked Kaseke.
Fitur is one of the biggest travel shows across Europe and the biggest in Spain with increased attendance despite the Euro-zone crisis.
For further information do not hesitate to contact Nelly Nhauranwa, senior executive international Media Relations for the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority on +34631342081 or e-mail [email protected].
