Historic tourism deal to be sealed today

Trilateral Agreement in Victoria Falls today.

The agreement is for the two countries’ co-hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly to be convened next year in August.
President Mugabe will be joined by his Zambian counterpart President Michael Sata to sign the agreement with UNWTO secretary general Mr Taleb Rifai.

The signing ceremony will be held at the No-Man’s Land on the Victoria Falls Bridge.
The historic Victoria Falls bridge, which turned 106 years in September last year, has grown in popularity to be the second most visited tourist attraction after the falls themselves.

Completed in 1905 after 14 months, the bridge links Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia.
The bridge was also part of Cecil John Rhodes’ dream of the Cape to Cairo road link.
It was built at a cost of GBP 72 000, which was the highest in the world during that period.

The bridge also hosts the ever popular 111 metres bunjee jump, bridge swing and slide. The bridge will be closed for business from 6am to 3pm for the ceremony today.

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In a statement yesterday, Government said: “In order to compensate the general public for the inconvenience caused the governments of the Republics of Zambia and Zimbabwe have decided that the two Border Points would remain open for 24 hours on 28th May 2012 and also, from 15:00 hours on Tuesday 29th May to 22:00 hours on Wednesday 30th May, 2012.”

Speaking in Victoria Falls after arriving for the ceremony yesterday, Mr Rifai endorsed Zimbabwe as a safe tourism destination open for business.

He urged tourists from across the world to visit Zimbabwe and feel its splendour and hospitality.
“I was told about the wonderful experience and the warm hospitality of this country.
“This is part of the preparations ahead of the General Assembly and this is the beginning of a series of meetings we are going to have as we get to the assembly.”

Mr Rifai predicted a successful meeting next year.
“By coming here, it is recognition, an endorsement on the country that it is a safe destination.”
The general assembly is being held for the first time in Southern Africa while Africa is hosting the meeting for the second time.

Mr Rifai said tourism in Africa was poised for growth despite challenges being faced on the continent.
“For the past five to seven years, Africa has been a rising star, the rates of growth have been incredible but now Africa needs to work on improving tourism infrastructure and human resources.

“The world is eager to come and the challenge is to make it easy for them to come through improved connectivity.”
Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi, lauded Mr Rifai and his team for making it possible for Zimbabwe and Zambia to co-host the conference next year.

“Mauya, Welcome to Zimbabwe, Welcome to Zambia, we are so happy to host you,” he said.
Mr Rifai later crossed the border into Zambia and will return to Zimbabwe for the ceremony today.
The UNTWO Geneal Assembly will run from August 24 to 29 August 2013.