(NEWZIMBABWE) Tourism to bring in US$1.5bln: Kaseke
19/09/2013 00:00:00
by New Ziana
THE Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has said the country can expect to earn US$1.5 billion from tourism by 2015 after successful hosting of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) conference in August.
Zimbabwe and Zambia co-hosted the 20th UNWTO general assembly in Livingstone and Victoria falls towns respectively from August 24 to 29, Zimbabwean news agency New Ziana reported.
The conference was declared as having the highest attendance in the organisation's history, with 900 delegates from the media fraternity, 121 delegates from member states and 140 from all over the world, and 49 foreign ministers and 750 other delegates.
ZTA chief executive officer Karikoga Kaseke said the benefits of hosting the conference were "incalculable".
"On average it takes between one to two years to see the positive benefits of hosting such a big event, however the biggest benefit is the endorsement of Zimbabwe as a safe destination.
"We expect to see the fruits of this endorsement in 2015 when we anticipate to receive three million international tourist arrivals translated to US$1.5 billion in terms of tourism receipts," he said.
Kaseke said the UNWTO general assembly had not left the tourism sector in the country dead but "livened it up instead".
"Tourism has not died after the conference but was left more alive in the sense that the impacts of tourism are going to be positive for a long time.
"When we were bidding we looked at the costs versus the benefits not financial. Zimbabwe has now been acknowledged by the UNWTO as a safe destination meaning any conference of any sort can be held here," he added.
The UNWTO general assembly was held for the first time in southern Africa and the second time on the African continent after it was hosted by Senegal in 2007.
Labels: KARIKOGA KASEKE, TOURISM, UNWTO, ZTA
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(SUNDAY MAIL ZW) Zim, Zambia shine at UNWTO
Sunday, 01 September 2013 00:00
Prince Mushawevato in Livingstone Zambia
The 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly — the first ever to be held in Southern Africa — came to a conclusion on a high note on Friday, amid commitment by member states to use tourism as a driver for economic development and empowerment of communities.
After five days of high-level deliberations on issues that have posed impediments to tourism development such as pricing regimes, communication connectivity and political will, President Mugabe, his Zambian counterpart Mr Michael Sata and UNWTO secretary-general Dr Taleb Rifai committed themselves to adopting policies and technologies that make it easy for tourists to travel to any part of the world undisturbed as a long-term solution.
The issue of visa regimes and the need for a one-stop border post system gathered serious momentum, as they will determine the future of tourism.
In his closing remarks, President Mugabe said the world should move with time and adopt technology and policies that are proactive to tourism development.
“As a region we must continue to adopt new technologies that enhance visa applications and processing formalities. Furthermore there is need to improve the connectivity and accessibility of destinations.
“This is in line of key resolutions of this general assembly that recognise the close linkage between travel facilitation and tourism development as a tool to stimulate sustainable tourism demand,” said President Mugabe.
Zambian President Mr Sata said his government would do follow-ups to resolutions of the UNWTO, to ensure sustainable tourism development.
“I am also happy to note that, during this general assembly, the programme of work of the UNWTO has been adopted up to 2015. In this regard, Zambia will undertake follow-up activities in order to benefit from the decisions and recommendations of this assembly.
“I have been following with keen interest the deliberations of this general assembly on efforts to advance tourism’s sustainable growth such as visa facilitation, connectivity and accessibility,” he said. UNWTO secretary-general Dr Rifai declared that the 20th session of the general assembly was the best ever in the history of the organisation.
“This is the best UNWTO general assembly in terms of attendance and everything. We still feel that the decision to allow Zimbabwe and Zambia to co-host was correct. Those who disagree with that decision should have come and seen for themselves, the smiles on the streets of Livingstone and Victoria Falls, the welcome and the business.
“It was the decision of the entire executive council in South Korea and we feel it was very correct,’’ he said.
The UNWTO brought a major facelift to Victoria Falls with the US$6,5 million upgrading of the hospital, the US$150 million airport expansion, the tarring of the roads, new water and sewer reticulation projects, among others. Hotels and restaurants also had facelifts.
House owners had brisk business, renting out their rooms for up to US$100 per room per day, while others let out entire homes for up to US$800 per day. The 20th session of the UNWTO general assembly also approved important recommendations on accessible tourism for all.
The recommendations define the appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access on an equal basis with others, to all travel and tourism services infrastructure. Furthermore, the assembly took important decisions including the approval of UNWTO programme of work and the budget for the coming of Bienna (2014-2015), the approval of a set of recommendations on youths tourism. Also, three new member states were welcome to the organisation namely Myanmar, Trinidad and Tobago and the United Arab Emirates and 88 new affiliate members.
This is the first ever UNWTO general assembly in Southern Africa. More importantly, Zimbabwe, has been elected to chair the African Commission of the UNWTO.
Labels: UNWTO
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Hospitality body hails UNWTO indaba
September 2, 2013 Shingirai Huni Business
The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe last week expressed satisfaction about the brisk business recorded during the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly as hotels in Victoria Falls recording above 90 percent occupancy. Zimbabwe and Zambia won the bid to co-host the biennial global tourism event in Victoria Falls and Livingstone ahead of rich nations like Jordan and Russia that had also submitted their bids.
The 20th session of the general assembly saw the highest number of participants in the history of the UNWTO with 121 of the 154 member states attending together with 145 other countries, 750 delegates, 900 participants from the media and private sector and 49 ministers.
HAZ president Mr Tich Hwingwiri commended the Government for hosting such a big event, which saw the resort town and the country at large benefiting.
Mr Hwingwiri said it was a good period for everyone mainly in the hospitality industry.
“The event went on very well and all the hotels as well as lodges around Victoria Falls benefited during the course of the congress,” he said.
“Hotels were hovering above 90 percent occupancy and all the lodges also recorded brisk business. Some residents also benefited as they turned their homes into boarding houses,” he added.
He said the end of the general assembly did not mean business would fall as it had reached its peak season.
“Here in Victoria Falls we are already in our traditionally peak season, the season normally starts from June to December. So our normal business is actually on the climax, that is our position at the moment,” he added.
Meanwhile, co-hosting of the general assembly by Zimbabwe and Zambia has been described as a success not only for the two countries, but for the continent and the world at large. – New Ziana
Labels: TOURISM, UNWTO
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(HERALD ZW) Police hail Vic Falls residents
September 2, 2013 Shingirai Huni Local News
Herald Reporter
POLICE have praised the people of Victoria Falls for successfully playing host to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly which went smoothly without any reports of crime targeting the assembly or its delegates. The just-ended 20th session of the UNWTO held in Zimbabwe and Zambia from August 24 to 29 was a huge success and the police appreciated the public’s efforts in working together to fight crime.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police would like to express gratitude and appreciation to the Victoria Falls community and the nation for the peaceful and tranquil environment that characterised the UNWTO General Assembly,” said police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi in a statement.
“No criminal cases having a direct or indirect impact on the general assembly were recorded.”
The police, he said, had noted with concern futile attempts to raise alarm that bombs had been planted at the conference venue.
“At no time were the delegates under threat as sufficient security contingencies were in place,” the police spokesman said.
“The co-operation exhibited by the public during the UNTWO is commendable and will definitely spur the police to provide quality service to the nation.”
President Robert Mugabe last Wednesday played down as unfounded and malicious claims of a security risk at the UNWTO in his address to delegates at the closing meeting.
“Western countries sparked rumours that bombs had been planted at the venue of the event in a bid to cause chaos,” said President Mugabe.
“It was posted on the internet from London, that a bomb had been planted somewhere here for you to be frightened so you could disperse and then it will be said the meeting failed,” President Mugabe said.
“We are not terrorists. We do not kill people here.
“We seek no harm to others, we seek friendship and co-operation; we seek peace and not war in Africa.
“We seek good neighbourliness and respect for each other’s territorial integrity,” he said.
The conference drew 120 delegations of UNWTO member states, 49 full ministers and 700 delegates.
The conference discussed visa facilitation, air connectivity and accessibility, airport infrastructure and other tourism development-related issues.
Labels: UNWTO, VICTORIA FALLS
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(NEWZIMBAWE, AP) UN defends Zim hosting tourism congress
World tourism ... Taleb Rifai (middle) with Zambia's Michael Sata and President Mugabe
29/08/2013 00:00:00
by AP
THE largest global tourism summit organised by the United Nations ended Thursday with officials defending Zimbabwe’s role as co-host after allegations of abuses of human and democratic rights in the country.
The 180-member United Nations World Tourism Organisation said it re-elected Taleb Rifai of Jordan for a second four-year term as its secretary general at the end of the summit in the Zambian town of Livingstone, across the border from Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls resort.
Rifai earlier brushed aside criticism the six-day meeting gave legitimacy to President Robert Mugabe’s government in the aftermath of elections disputed by his rivals.
“We are not here to deliberate on grand issues, we can do that anywhere else in the world,” he said. “It was the correct and right decision. The excitement, optimism and hope this meeting has created made everything worthwhile.”
About 1,200 delegates discussed tourism development programs for mostly poor, developing nations, accompanied by carnival parades in the two towns overlooking the Victoria Falls, a wide curtain of falling water and rising spray whose local name roughly translates as “the smoke that thunders.”
Mugabe, speaking at a banquet Wednesday, urged delegates to promote Zimbabwe as a safe tourist destination to counter Western allegations of rights violations, the state broadcaster reported. Mugabe was also quoted by state radio as saying U.S. State Department advisories on safety risks in Zimbabwe were erroneous.
“We are not terrorists,” the president said, calling on Western critics to visit Victoria Falls to “have their minds repaired.”
Australia, Canada, the U.S. and former colonial power Britain are not members of the UNWTO. Western governments are generally sceptical of the value of the biennial meeting.
Zimbabwe hired management consultants to run the summit, saying it did not have local expertise to meet the UNWTO’s specific needs for all the arrangements. The country dropped the slogan “Zimbabwe-Africa’s Paradise” after non-Christian communities took offense, officials said, replacing it with “Zimbabwe-A World of Wonders.”
Tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, told the summit that the country plans to set up a world-class Disneyland-style theme park outside Victoria Falls town for the projected cost of $300 million.
The famed arch-span iron railroad bridge adjacent to the falls was built in 1905. It has been floodlit for the summit and, commercial sponsors say, will remain lit at night for the next 15 years as a legacy of the summit.
Mzembi said the Victoria Falls theme park would include shopping, banking, exhibition, entertainment and casino facilities.
It is not clear where funding for the project will come from as Mugabe’s Zanu PF party pushes ahead with a sweeping empowerment programme to take control of the last 1,200 foreign businesses, as the party promised voters who returned it to power.
According to official figures, Zimbabwe received 404,280 visitors in the first three months of 2013, compared to 346,300 in the same period last year.
The rise was attributed mainly to improvements in the economy driven by liberalisation and Western-friendly investment policies of the shaky coalition government forged by regional leaders after the disputed elections of 2008.
The coalition ended July 31 after elections Tsvangirai said were massively rigged. Mugabe did not allow Western observers to monitor the polls.
Labels: ROBERT MUGABE, UN, UNWTO, VICTORIA FALLS
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(NEWZIMBABWE) Mugabe blames UK for Vic Falls bomb alarm
29/08/2013 00:00:00
by Agencies
PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe has accused Western countries of spreading a false bomb alarm at Victoria Falls in a bid to sabotage the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia at the resort.
Some Western countries led by the United Kingdom and some rights groups protested at the selection of Zimbabwe as a co-host for the global conference, which ran from Aug 24 to 29.
UN Watch, an independent human rights group, said allowing Zimbabwe to co-host the event was a “disgraceful show of support – and a terribly timed award of false legitimacy – for a brutal, corrupt and authoritarian regime”.
Hillel Neuer, head of the Geneva-based group, said: “Amid reports of election rigging and continuing human rights abuses, Zimbabwe is the last country that should be legitimised by a UN summit of any kind. The notion that the UN should spin this country as a lovely tourist destination is, frankly, sickening.”
Addressing delegates at the closing meeting’s ceremony in Zambia on Wednesday, Mugabe said Western countries sparked rumours that bombs had been planted at the venue of the event in a bid to cause chaos.
"There was posted on the internet from London, that a bomb had been planted somewhere here for you to be frightened so you could disperse and then it will be said the meeting failed," he said.
"We are not terrorists. We do not kill people here. We seek no harm to others, we seek friendship and cooperation; we seek peace and not war in Africa. We seek good neighbourliness and respect for each other’s territorial integrity."
The veteran leader said Zimbabwe and Zambia were peaceful countries and ideal tourist destinations as he also rubbished warnings issued by the United States against travelling to the Victoria Falls.
"Also from Washington (United States)and we are surprised, is the warning given to would be visitors to this country that visiting the Victoria Falls is dangerous. Ladies and gentlemen you are now our ambassadors to tell the truth," he said addressing the delegates.
He said the record attendance by delegates to the general assembly was an endorsement of the Victoria Falls as a safe tourist destination.
Victoria Falls which is on the border between Zimbabwe and Livingstone Zambia played host to the just ended 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly.
Mugabe urged Africa to adopt new technologies which will help facilitate easier processing of tourists as well as improve destination accessibility.
"We all need to continue working together, not only as Sadc region but also as a continent under the auspices of the UNTWO to promote tourism in itself a key pillar of our economic development," he said.
Zambian President Michael Sata said the success of the general assembly had opened up new possibilities for member states to ensure that tourism contributes to development of their economies.
"The hosting of the event is historical for us and will forever remain a treasured experience," he said.
Labels: ROBERT MUGABE, UNWTO, VICTORIA FALLS
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Well done sekuru, Sata congratulates Mugabe
By Edwin Mbulo and Mwala Kalaluka in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tue 27 Aug. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says Robert Mugabe's landslide re-election is a demonstration of his people's confidence in his leadership and that of the ruling ZANU-PF.
And President Mugabe says Zimbabwe will remain an active member of the United Nations despite the chagrin and demonic tendencies of the political and military superpowers in Europe and America that dominate the organisation and have imposed hegemonic sanctions on his country.
During a colourful official opening of the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation UNWTO held at Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls border town on Sunday night, President Sata personally congratulated President Mugabe on his re-election.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Comrade sekuru Robert Mugabe on his re-election as President of Zimbabwe. Comrade Mugabe, well done to you and your party ZANU-PF," he said.
"Your victory signifies the trust and confidence the people of Zimbabwe have in you and ZANU-PF."
President Sata said the co-hosting of the UN tourism conference would strengthen the two countries' already warm bilateral relations.
"To you my brother Comrade Mugabe, without Amai Grace and indeed without Amai Christine, what we are seeing wouldn't have been possible because normally, a great man must have a great woman behind him, and well done the two young ladies," he said as the delegates applauded.
President Sata said tourism was a sector of great significance and also thanked UNWTO secretary general Dr Taleb Rifai for ensuring that the southern African region hosts the UNWTO general assembly for the first time.
"Although we are supposed to be Siamese twins, I don't want to steal the show. I now want to call upon the bigger twin to come and tell us what he called us here for because up to now, we have not eaten," said President Sata.
The two presidents later lit the Victoria Falls Bridge and while clasping each other's hands, they shouted "Pamberi" forward.
And President Mugabe said the West's ill-conceived and debilitating sanctions on his country disabled it from participating in bodies like the UNWTO.
"Your decision to hold this important global event at this venue inspires us," President Mugabe told Dr Rifai. "We expect it to leave an indelible mark on our memories and that it be part of our generational legacy, marking a clear turning point in the tourism fortunes of our two countries, of our region and indeed of our continent of Africa."
He said Africa's integration as one state would be a great catalyst to the growth of sustainable tourism, more so that Europe was trying to keep all the tourism dollars within the Eurozone by imposing punitive airport taxes on travellers.
He said Zimbabwe was enthused with the decision to hold the UNWTO general assembly at the Victoria Falls, which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
"We are very enthused by the endorsement of our two countries as worth hosts of such a meeting," President Mugabe told the delegates seated on a sprawling hotel lawn overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge.
"The hosting of the UNWTO general assembly inspires us in our ongoing and continued efforts since the coming into being of the state of Zimbabwe to maintain friendly relations with the whole international community, even with those countries with which we may not agree on all matters."
He said the hosting of the UNWTO at one of the seven natural wonders of the World was also a recognition that it was a safe and secure destination.
"Zimbabwe recognises the efficacy of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's social and economic development strategy," President Mugabe said.
"We remained an active member of the organisation until 1999. Unfortunately, during the period 2000 to 2008, we faced immense
challenges occasioned in a large part by illegal debilitating sanctions imposed upon us by some sections of the West. These sanctions sadly came hard on the heels of the IMF, World Bank's ill-conceived economic structural adjustment programme, so-called ESAP. But other negatives disabled our active participation in bodies like in the UNWTO."
President Mugabe said in 2009, Zimbabwe, with the facilitation of SADC and the African Union, happily formed a government of national unity, which he said somewhat led to softening of the stances against his country 'on the part of our political and economic detractors of Europe and America'.
He noted that with Dr Rifai's support, Zimbabwe had again become an active member of the UNWTO and had since acquired a seat on the organisation's executive council.
"Since then, we have not looked back and following our successful two-nation bid with Zambia to co-host this session, we find ourselves here tonight," President Mugabe said.
"President Sata and I have since signed a golden book of tourism, thus becoming ambassadors for global tourism, never mind the chagrin of our detractors over this matter. In West Africa, they say 'don't mind them'. Please let all of you know that the signing of the golden book of tourism was not a mere ceremony for us, for through that act we recognised the important political and economic role that tourism can play in our two countries and our continent. We are committed to leveraging this sector as a key driver of our economic growth."
President Mugabe reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to the founding values and principles of the United Nations.
"…not withstanding adversity of the demonic tendencies of some of the world's economic and military superpowers who dominate the organisation," said President Mugabe.
"We are very satisfied that the UN is a vital body for all humanity…it is on that basis that I, without reservation, gave my full support to the Zambia-Zimbabwe bid to host this general assembly. I'm very glad that the organisation decided to host the general assembly here."
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, SANCTIONS, UNWTO, VICTORIA FALLS
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(STICKY) Sata, Mugabe are cut out of revolutionary fabric - Mzembi
By Edwin Mbulo in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Sat 24 Aug. 2013, 14:01 CAT
THERE are some very glaring similarities in Presidents Michael Sata and Robert Mugabe in that there are both cut out of the revolutionary fabric, says Zimbabwe's tourism minister Walter Mzembi.
And UNWTO secretary general Taleb Rifai said the 20th General Assembly was an important event not only for Zimbabwe and Zambia but the entire Africa and the world.
In an interview before Rifai's arrival at the Victoria Falls International Airport on Thursday, Mzembi said PresidSents Sata and Mugabe had provided leadership and focus in the collaboration of the two countries.
"There are some very glaring similarities between our two heads of states in that they are both born and cut out of the revolutionary fabric, Pan-Africanist in their very full rights and more importantly, leading patriotic front parties between the two countries," Mzembi said.
He said the two Presidents had enjoyed a very cordial and warm relationship.
"Very brotherly relationship, which has provided us the leadership and focus that we have been looking for as ministers in terms of the integration of the region and collaboration of sister states towards meeting the objectives of bringing prosperity to our two republics," Mzembi said.
He said Zimbabwe was at 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 in the preparations of the UNWTO general assembly which starts today.
"I had budgeted for 10 per cent of unseen circumstances, maybe spiritual issues, but those that we can see with the naked eye, we have attempted to correct and bring the train back on the rail. So by and large, I'm happy with what we have done so far," he said.
And speaking to Rifai, Mzembi said the general aassembly coincided with the celebrations of the inauguration of President Mugabe to his seventh term in power.
And Rifai said the UNWTO coincides with this important experience that the people of Zimbabwe went through.
"We are very delighted that the elections went in a very civilised and smooth way and the will of the people of Zimbabwe was very clear," he said.
He said the UNWTO General Assembly was already a success as it was the best-ever attended event.
"You can hear and feel the success from the very beginning. Once it starts well, everything is going to go well. This is one of the best attended general assembly. The rate of registration has been very high and we have never seen the number of ministers and delegations in previous assemblies," he said.
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, TALEB RIFAI, UNWTO, WALTER MZEMBI
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(STICKY) Well done sekuru, Sata congratulates Mugabe
By Edwin Mbulo and Mwala Kalaluka in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Tue 27 Aug. 2013, 14:01 CAT
PRESIDENT Michael Sata says Robert Mugabe's landslide re-election is a demonstration of his people's confidence in his leadership and that of the ruling ZANU-PF.
And President Mugabe says Zimbabwe will remain an active member of the United Nations despite the chagrin and demonic tendencies of the political and military superpowers in Europe and America that dominate the organisation and have imposed hegemonic sanctions on his country.
During a colourful official opening of the 20th United Nations World Tourism Organisation UNWTO held at Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls border town on Sunday night, President Sata personally congratulated President Mugabe on his re-election.
"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Comrade sekuru Robert Mugabe on his re-election as President of Zimbabwe. Comrade Mugabe, well done to you and your party ZANU-PF," he said.
"Your victory signifies the trust and confidence the people of Zimbabwe have in you and ZANU-PF."
President Sata said the co-hosting of the UN tourism conference would strengthen the two countries' already warm bilateral relations.
"To you my brother Comrade Mugabe, without Amai Grace and indeed without Amai Christine, what we are seeing wouldn't have been possible because normally, a great man must have a great woman behind him, and well done the two young ladies," he said as the delegates applauded.
President Sata said tourism was a sector of great significance and also thanked UNWTO secretary general Dr Taleb Rifai for ensuring that the southern African region hosts the UNWTO general assembly for the first time.
"Although we are supposed to be Siamese twins, I don't want to steal the show. I now want to call upon the bigger twin to come and tell us what he called us here for because up to now, we have not eaten," said President Sata.
The two presidents later lit the Victoria Falls Bridge and while clasping each other's hands, they shouted "Pamberi" forward.
And President Mugabe said the West's ill-conceived and debilitating sanctions on his country disabled it from participating in bodies like the UNWTO.
"Your decision to hold this important global event at this venue inspires us," President Mugabe told Dr Rifai. "We expect it to leave an indelible mark on our memories and that it be part of our generational legacy, marking a clear turning point in the tourism fortunes of our two countries, of our region and indeed of our continent of Africa."
He said Africa's integration as one state would be a great catalyst to the growth of sustainable tourism, more so that Europe was trying to keep all the tourism dollars within the Eurozone by imposing punitive airport taxes on travellers.
He said Zimbabwe was enthused with the decision to hold the UNWTO general assembly at the Victoria Falls, which is shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe.
"We are very enthused by the endorsement of our two countries as worth hosts of such a meeting," President Mugabe told the delegates seated on a sprawling hotel lawn overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge.
"The hosting of the UNWTO general assembly inspires us in our ongoing and continued efforts since the coming into being of the state of Zimbabwe to maintain friendly relations with the whole international community, even with those countries with which we may not agree on all matters."
He said the hosting of the UNWTO at one of the seven natural wonders of the World was also a recognition that it was a safe and secure destination.
"Zimbabwe recognises the efficacy of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's social and economic development strategy," President Mugabe said.
"We remained an active member of the organisation until 1999. Unfortunately, during the period 2000 to 2008, we faced immense
challenges occasioned in a large part by illegal debilitating sanctions imposed upon us by some sections of the West. These sanctions sadly came hard on the heels of the IMF, World Bank's ill-conceived economic structural adjustment programme, so-called ESAP. But other negatives disabled our active participation in bodies like in the UNWTO."
President Mugabe said in 2009, Zimbabwe, with the facilitation of SADC and the African Union, happily formed a government of national unity, which he said somewhat led to softening of the stances against his country 'on the part of our political and economic detractors of Europe and America'.
He noted that with Dr Rifai's support, Zimbabwe had again become an active member of the UNWTO and had since acquired a seat on the organisation's executive council.
"Since then, we have not looked back and following our successful two-nation bid with Zambia to co-host this session, we find ourselves here tonight," President Mugabe said.
"President Sata and I have since signed a golden book of tourism, thus becoming ambassadors for global tourism, never mind the chagrin of our detractors over this matter. In West Africa, they say 'don't mind them'. Please let all of you know that the signing of the golden book of tourism was not a mere ceremony for us, for through that act we recognised the important political and economic role that tourism can play in our two countries and our continent. We are committed to leveraging this sector as a key driver of our economic growth."
President Mugabe reiterated Zimbabwe's commitment to the founding values and principles of the United Nations.
"…not withstanding adversity of the demonic tendencies of some of the world's economic and military superpowers who dominate the organisation," said President Mugabe.
"We are very satisfied that the UN is a vital body for all humanity…it is on that basis that I, without reservation, gave my full support to the Zambia-Zimbabwe bid to host this general assembly. I'm very glad that the organisation decided to host the general assembly here."
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, ROBERT MUGABE, SANCTIONS, UNWTO, VICTORIA FALLS
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UNWTO assembly will benefit SMEs - Tomas
By Gift Chanda and Edwin Mbulo
Fri 29 Mar. 2013, 14:00 CAT
ZAMBIA and Zimbabwe should work hard towards making the UNWTO General Assembly a success because of its benefits to the two host countries, a senior UNWTO executive has said.
Helder Tomas, the UNWTO deputy director for Africa region, said the general assembly in August stood to boost the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sector in Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as give the two countries an opportunity to market themselves as ultimate tourism destinations.
The two countries will co-host the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly from August 24 to August 29 in Victoria Falls Town and Livingstone.
"We are expecting delegates from all over the world. From America, Asia, the Middle East…all of them heading to Zambia and Zimbabwe and all of them are to be transported, entertained, fed and accommodated and that brings along a number of opportunities for Zambia and Zimbabwe's SMEs," Tomas said on Wednesday.
"It also gives a unique opportunity for the promotion of the Victoria Falls, the promotion of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Africa as a tourism destination. Therefore, we need to really work together to make this event successful."
On the just-ended regional media workshop, Tomas said the UNWTO was satisfied that the objectives of highlighting to journalists the deeper meaning of tourism were achieved.
A Nigerian delegate, Ikechi Uko said participants had been enriched with a paradigm shift in tourism reporting.
Meanwhile, information deputy minister Mwansa Kapeya urged the media in Africa to take a leading role in telling the continent's success stories to the outside world.
Kapeya said there were many good happenings in Africa which unfortunately had largely gone untold and, therefore, unheard.
He said the international media's perception of Africa had often focused on the negative side of the continent such as poverty and crime.
"The lesson from this is that the world owes us no obligation to market our continent, hence it is Africa's duty to tell its own story to the outside world. I therefore implore the media on the continent to lead the way in telling Africa's success stories," said Kapeya.
He, however, noted that the media could not tell stories and educate the public unless they were informed and educated first.
Labels: HELDER TOMAS, SMEs, UNWTO
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Masebo urges change of work culture
By Edwin Mbulo in Livingstone
Thu 14 Mar. 2013, 17:20 CAT
SYLVIA Masebo has called for a change in work culture among civil servants. Masebo, the tourism and arts minister, after receiving a letter from a Livingstone woman during the arts auditions at Mukuni Park for the forthcoming United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly said that there is a big problem in the government with regard to work attitude.
She said ordinary citizens now feel comfortable to have their concerns submitted directly to the ministers than civil servants.
"Now they (people) feel it is easy to see a minister and pour out their ideas and plans. I have this letter here written by a lady whose name I will withhold although she has signed it; she says there are five ladies who have ideas on how best they can be enterprising and want assistance so I invite the lady and her friends so that we can have lunch tomorrow (Wednesday) and discuss what they have to offer," Masebo said.
She said Zambians must be free to approach the government workers to get answers on various government programmes meant to empower them.
"The government has released a lot of money to line ministries which are intended to change the lives of the ordinary citizens but this is not seen or does not get to the ordinary people. I'm very mindful because we may have a big event (UNWTO general assembly) which will be of no value to the ordinary Zambian," Masebo said amid cheers from the artistes and youth.
Various artistes showcased what they have prepared for the UNWTO general assembly in terms of artifacts most of which have been branded in Zambian colours, while most musical CDs have tourism messages.
The UNWTO general assembly scheduled for August 24 to 29 will be held for the first time in Southern Africa and the second in Africa after Senegal hosted the 2005 gathering of the tourism sector.
Labels: CIVIL SERVANTS, SYLVIA MASEBO, UNWTO, WORK ETHIC
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Bad UNWTO preps could cost Zambia, says Scott
By Edwin Mbulo
Mon 11 Feb. 2013, 14:30 CAT
ZAMBIA could find itself abandoned by tourists if it does a bad job on preparations for the August UNWTO General Assembly, says Vice-President Dr Guy Scott.
And tourism and arts minister Sylvia Masebo says there is progress in the preparations ahead of the indaba to be co-hosted with Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls town.
Speaking when he addressed the business community at Chrismar Hotel in Livingstone, Vice-President Scott told them not to expect huge profits during the event but that its aftershocks could be of great business help.
"I think if we do collectively a good job, it may raise you more money in future as your reputation goes up. If we do a bad job, we may find ourselves abandoned by the world discerning tourists and make Zambia go viral and hurt us," Vice-President Scott said.
He said negative reporting especially on the social networks such as Facebook could hurt Zambia as the international community was very sensitive especially on issues of poaching and crime.
"There was one photograph of one dead elephant from Kafue National Park which was put on Facebook and it was read by millions of people around the world. The response was very negative, only after (Sylvia) Masebo's statement that hunting had been suspended that there was more publicity and attention on the Internet than that photograph of that elephant. These days you have to be more careful on public relations.
It's not just a matter of few daily papers; people are really hot on internet business," Vice-President Scott said.
And Masebo said it would be appropriate to fly delegates to the UNWTO straight into Livingstone instead of making a stopover in Lusaka using airlines such as Emirates.
"There are some concerns on infrastructure and the quality of service; we need to give as business people a clean environment. On road infrastructure, we talked to the contractor on the need to speed up works," Masebo said.
She said the government would improve the water infrastructure, build a modern market and intercity bus terminus, public toilets and street lighting.
And Mwape Walumba from Lion Encounter said the business community was willing to assist in the developmental projects but were not being approached.
Benjamin Mibenge, who is chairperson of the Wildlife and Conservation Society of Zambia (WCSZ) Livingstone chapter, caused laughter when he said there was a very big billboard of Mosi lager welcoming tourists at Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport instead of one for the Victoria Falls.
"I love Mosi but I think it gives a wrong impression on a country's tourist capital like ours. Why can't we have breweries sponsor a billboard which contains the Victoria Falls? That is why our colleagues from Zimbabwe claim that Victoria Falls is on their side. Marketing has not been the best. Can these companies help us promote Livingstone?" said Mibenge.
Labels: GUY SCOTT, SYLVIA MASEBO, UNWTO
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Zambia, Zim set for UNWTO indaba
December 15, 2012
By MIRIAM ZIMBA -
ZAMBIA and Zimbabwe are on course with preparations to co-host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly next year.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi said resolutions of the 94th UNWTO held in Mexico recently indicated that the two neighbouring countries were on course to co-host the international showpiece.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo said the Statutory Instrument issued recently to waive tax on imported tourism goods and articles had improved the quality of service in the tourism industry in Zambia.
The two ministers were speaking in Lusaka yesterday during a second joint ministerial meeting ahead of the general assembly scheduled for August.
Mr Mzembi, who led a joint delegation during the 94th session of the UNWTO executive council, resolved that the level of preparedness by the two countries to co-host the general assembly was excellent.
“I am happy to report to you that the resolution of this meeting is that we are on track, and there is a statement of confidence in both Zambia and Zimbabwe’s level of preparedness,” he said.
He said the UNWTO executive council meeting scheduled for Serbia in May 2013 would be the last to be held outside the venue for the 2013 general assembly.
Mr Mzembi commended the Zambian Government for introducing a Statutory Instrument that waives duty for the importation of capital goods and others directly associated with the tourism industry.
Ms Masebo, on the other hand, said the Statutory Instrument was aimed at improving service delivery in the tourism industry.
The Zambian Government, she said, would ensure maximum benefits accrue from the industry such as the creation of employment and the generation of foreign exchange.
Ms Masebo called for accelerated efforts in the two countries as the date of the general assembly draws closer.
She said the second joint ministerial meeting in Lusaka was a measure of the levels of preparedness to co-host next year’s general assembly.
Labels: SYLVIA MASEBO, UNWTO, WALTER MZEMBI
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