adminThis tells us that Zimbabwe is effectively ready to co-host the meeting slated for August 24-29 despite previous fears that it would have had to be moved to another country in the region as prophets of doom doubted this country’s wherewithal to successfully host it.
We never doubted Zimbabwe’s ability to rise to the occasion. The state of preparedness, as already established, further endorses Zimbabwe’s capability to host meetings of this magnitude.
It is against this background that we welcome the UNWTO technical committee expected here tomorrow to fine-tune this country’s preparedness.
We know they will ascertain for themselves that Zimbabwe is ready to roll while any outstanding finishing touches will certainly be completed ahead of the meeting.
The confidence expressed by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Walter Mzembi at the weekend is quite instructive.
“That we are going to host the event is no longer speculation. It is ours. We were given the full endorsement in Serbia and this four-member technical team is simply coming to help us fine-tune our processes,” said the minister at the weekend.
We would want to believe that the team, which passed through Zambia on a similar mission, will come with an open mind, ready to assist Government and its partners in the final stages of the preparations. Their two-day visit is also expected to synchronise final preparations between Zimbabwe and its northern neighbour.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has remarkably completed a 4 000-metre stretch of runway and other improvements at the Victoria Falls Airport in anticipation of the visitors. Roads in the resort town and other infrastructure have already had a facelift as Zimbabwe prepares to give the 1 200 visitors a time to remember.
This is a life-time opportunity we should all not take for granted.
The fact that 186 ministers of tourism, captains of industry from across the globe, tourism wholesalers and other stakeholders will descend on Zimbabwe is indicative of the meeting’s profile and the mileage Zimbabwe will gain from hosting it.
The vote of confidence registered in Zimbabwe as a brand will manifest itself in the growing number of tourists and the quality of their spend that this country will experience after the meeting.
Such an opportunity, if given due cognisance, will benefit the local tourism industry and Zimbabwe in general, for years to come.
The most effective marketing tool in tourism is word of mouth so, if the visitors take a good message out there about Zimbabwe, the benefits accruing will be there for all to see.
This is the first time that the General Assembly is being hosted in Southern Africa, and only the second it is being held in Africa. This alone should give Zambia and Zimbabwe the impetus to go a step further in preparations and offer the best service possible.
Zimbabwe will assume presidency of the UNWTO after the meeting. This in itself puts this country at the centre of things within the UNWTO family, with obvious benefits.
The tourism industry is poised for growth and the UNWTO meeting is quite timeous. It provides a formidable launchpad from which the anticipated growth can be anchored.
Zimbabwe has never disappointed as a tourist destination and the hospitality of its people will certainly form a lasting impression on the visitors.
However, we need to guard against complacency as a country. While the Inter-Ministerial Committee has expressed satisfaction with preparations, any isolated pockets that are still outstanding should be attended to with haste. Treasury should join the party and release outstanding funds that will enable the country to host this event.
We should not entertain any mediocre service for such a grand event, hence the need to put in place full-proof checks and balances.
Of course, hosting such large numbers of visitors at the same time is not exactly a stroll in the park. Hard work needs to be put in while attention to the smallest of detail will make a huge difference.
Unfortunately, the hype and excitement surrounding this country’s hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly has somewhat been muted by the impeding elections and activities around them. However, we commend efforts by organisers who have remained on top of the situation and remained focused on the preparations.
The elections will surely be over and done with when the meeting starts and we pray that they be peaceful and smooth to ensure a conducive environment for the UNWTO meeting.
We have no reason to doubt that all will be set and ready come August 24.
Online Reporter