adminCaptains of industry, tour and adventure operators, Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry officials led by Engineer Walter Mzembi, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) officials led by the chief executive, Mr Karikoga Kaseke, Governor and Resident Minister of Matabeleland North, Thokozile Mathuthu, Local Organising Committee chairperson, Councilor Nkosilathi Jiyane and a delegation from Botswana witnessed the launch.
The launch came at a time when the Government has expressed confidence that the country would successfully co-host the general assembly despite some recent negative statements about its state of preparedness.
The event started with the lighting of the public viewing area (PVA) LED screen, which has the countdown clock along Livingstone Way by Mr Kaseke and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Ms Margret Sangarwe.
After that different musical groups, which included Blessing “Buju” Nyagwaya, Chicken Bus, Iyasa, AmaZulu and gospel diva, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave took turns to entertain the crowd as the clock ticked towards 12 midnight.
When it was midnight fireworks were cracked much to the delight of the residents.
The crowd was also sprayed by water fired from a cannon.
Addressing the crowd, Eng Mzembi said Victoria Falls will never be the same again because the UNWTO general assembly would leave a legacy.
“The Government is going ahead with plans for the conference centre, it will be there for the people after the event, the hospital, and the roads are being rehabilitated. One of the leading hotels has just completed one of its expansion projects and these will all benefit you as residents of Victoria Falls,” he said.
“We are all gathered here to witness this historic moment for Victoria Falls and the country at large. The world is watching and the Government is committed to this event.”
Governor Mathuthu said the historic event marked a significant milestone for the two resort towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
“A new Victoria Falls should emerge after the event and the restoration of national pride and ego, leveraging to position a renewed investment destination. The coming of the general assembly will play a positive role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism for both countries,” she said.
“The benefits are massive and diverse, they are economic, political and social, both tangible and intangible.”
Mr Kaseke said the ZTA was looking forward to the event, which he said would turn around the fortunes of the tourism sector.
He said the PVA was going to be a permanent feature in Victoria Falls.
“Even after the general assembly, the PVA will be there with videos about the country’s attractions,” he said.
After presentations by the officials, it was time for Sulumani Chimbetu and Dendera Kings to take the stage.
Chimbetu wowed the crowd up to 4am.
The official launch came at a time when the country was preparing for the second assessment visit by the UNWTO secretary-general, Dr Taleb Rifai, who is scheduled to arrive in the country next week.
The UNWTO boss was in the country in May to witness the historic signing ceremony of the co-hosting agreement by President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart President Michael Sata on the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter