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Govt extends UNWTO begging bowl to corporate sector

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THE Tourism and Hospitality ministry has extended its begging bowl to the corporate sector seeking nearly $2 million from local companies to fund the forthcoming UNWTO general.

THE Tourism and Hospitality ministry has extended its begging bowl to the corporate sector seeking nearly $2 million from local companies to fund the forthcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly set for later next month, a government official has said.

Tarisai Mandizha

Tourism minister Walter Mzembi told delegates attending the pre-UNWTO indaba cocktail recently that government requires $1,859 million from the corporate world to finance key projects which include a prefabricated semi-permanent structure, passenger servicing amenities at Victoria Falls Airport, ICT equipment for the local secretariat as well as promotional material for the events Zimbabwe and Zambia will co-host the 20th session of the UNWTO general assembly from August 24 to August 29 in Victoria Falls and Livingstone respectively.

“A pre-fabricated semi-permanent facility seating 3 000 delegates with break-away rooms in line with the UNWTO specifications is required.

“The pre-fabricated semi-permanent facility would cost $1,25 million, he said.

“Due to the shortage of space at the airport arrival and departure halls, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is planning to put up passenger servicing amenities and artificial barricades to facilitate clearance of delegates. Designs and costing have been completed, amounting to a total of $200 000.”

Mzembi said the global tourism showcase would present enormous spin-off benefits for companies partnering government.

“By supporting the conference, the corporate world can enhance Victoria Falls’ reputation as a green, connected and regional town towards sustainability in tourism.

“The corporate world will be acknowledged for its sponsorship support,” said Mzembi.

“The forthcoming general assembly has been declared a paperless conference whereby ICT will play a fundamental role in enabling effective recordkeeping and efficient handling of information and communication.”

Nearly 1 000 delegates are expected to attend the UNWTO general assembly, which will be preceded by watershed general elections marking an end to the inclusive government formed in 2009.