adminStutchbury said the meeting had presented the tourism industry with an opportunity to show off the best of Zimbabwe to world travellers.
“There’s no doubt about the increasing levels of confidence in Zimbabwe as a destination. The return of major international carriers and desire of even more to start operating into the country is proof of that.
“The General Assembly offers an opportunity for tourism stakeholders to improve what we believe is already an outstanding destination,” said Mr Stutchbury.
He said the tourism industry was confident that they would provide the best on accommodation, transport and activities to the visitors. Over the past few months the country has seen the coming of major airlines among them Emirates and KLM, among others as well as increased frequencies of air carriers already flying Zimbabwe.
Mr Stutchbury said stakeholders in the hotel industry operating in the resort town had embarked on varying levels of refurbishment, with Africa Albida Tourism opening its impressive 20-room all-suite, butler-service Safari Club. The Rainbow Tourism Group’s A’Zambezi River Lodge underwent extensive upgrading.
Most recently well-known regional hospitality management firm Cresta Hospitality made its debut in the Victoria Falls, with the Cresta Sprayview.
Activity operators in Victoria Falls, led by Shearwater and Wild Horizons among others, continue to offer a wide range of thrilling leisure options.
Meanwhile the ZCT has named Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi as the ZCT Tourism Personality of the Year for his sterling effort in steering Zimbabwe’s co-hosting of next year’s UNWTO General Assembly and his assumption of the presidency of the Africa Travel Association. The council said Minister Mzembi had been Zimbabwe’s foremost tourism champion both at home and abroad. The ZCT Awards are given in recognition of service excellence and initiatives that advance or add value to the industry. Other winners were conservationist Charles Brightman who won the Green Globe 21 Trophy for his stewardship of the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit, safari specialist Becks Ndlovu scooping the Entrepreneur of the Year with Amalinda Collection taking the Victoria Falls lodge Group of the year award.
Online Reporter