adminZimbabwe and Zambia will co-host the UNWTO general assembly from 24 to 29 August.
Up to 4 000 delegates from at least 176 countries are expected to attend the meeting in Victoria Falls and Livingstone towns.
The prestigious event set to become the biggest endorser of the country’s new tourism brand: “Zimbabwe — A World of Wonders”.
Inbound Tour Operators Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Tichaona Mudzonga told New Ziana that the preparations were moving at a snail’s pace, raising fears that the country might lag behind.
“We are excited about the UNWTO general assembly as a country branding opportunity.
“The government needs to move faster. We have seen the post of promotional co-ordinator re-advertised yet the incumbent should be busy working. We need to fuel up the preparations,” he said.
The government had planned to build a convention centre in Victoria Falls.
Mr Mudzonga was optimistic that hosting the UNWTO general assembly would boost tourism earnings.
“We hope within the next two years tourism earnings will go up to the levels of the 1990s because at the moment there is a lot of interest in our facilities already,” he said.
The UNWTO promotes the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism, paying particular attention to the interests of developing countries.
It also encourages implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism aimed at ensuring that member countries, tourist destinations and businesses maximise the positive economic, social and cultural effects of tourism and fully reap its benefits while minimizing its negative impacts. — New Ziana
Online Reporter