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ATA was formed in 1975 to promote travel into Africa.
In a telephone interview, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority marketing executive director Mrs Tesa Chikaponya said delegates from all over the world had started arriving for the congress.
“Over 500 delegates have confirmed participation at the congress. We have delegates from the United States of America, Europe, Asia, Cameron, Senegal, Togo, and Swaziland and all over the world.
“Some of the delegates have started arriving and as we speak, we have arranged transport to carry them from the airport,” she said.
Vice-President Joice Mujuru is expected to officially open the congress, which Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi and his four other counterparts from related ministries will address.
ATA congress is being held in the country for the second time after the country hosted the event in 1988.
“In terms of preparations for the event we are almost there.
“By hosting ATA congress, to us it is a very big brand endorsement that will help our local tourism industry to attract more tourists into the country after the event.
“It is also a test case that ZTA will use to test our system as we prepare to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly next year,” she said.
The systems in place to be tested include transport, communication, accommodation and hospitality.
ATA is also seen as an event that creates an opportunity to market tourism to mainly American market, which remains as the world’s biggest economy.
Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic sectors contributing significantly to the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Experts have said it is critical for Zimbabwe to market and promote itself as a safe and attractive destination.
Online Reporter