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LUSAKA. — The head of the UN World Tourism Organisation has said travel connectivity and visa regimes were hampering the development of tourism in Africa.Zoltan Somogyi, who arrived in Zambia’s southern city of Livingstone ahead of the 20th UNWTO general assembly, which starts on Saturday, said the lack of high-quality air connectivity in Africa will be one of the highlights of the meeting, the Post of Zambia reported yesterday.
“Visa and connectivity affect the development of tourism in Africa,” he was quoted as saying by the paper upon arrival at Harry Mwaanga Nkhumbula International Airport.
The tourism chief, who thanked Zambia and Zimbabwe for the work done so far ahead of the meeting, said the two Southern African nations had the greatest opportunity to showcase their tourism potential through the hosting of the 20th general assembly.
During his last inspection visit, the official said he had seen a lot of work being undertaken by the two governments and hoped that the work would be completed in time for the general assembly. The event, which is Africa’s third session after Egypt and Senegal hosted the 11th and 16th general assemblies in 1995 and 2005, would also elect the organisation’s secretary-general, he added.
So far, about 147 countries have registered for the event out of a membership of 165. Zambia and Zimbabwe were selected to host the 20th UNWTO general assembly, which will run from August 24 to August 29.
Zambia will also host an international investment forum on the sidelines of the tourism general assembly, whose objective is to promote and showcase investment opportunities existing in the Southern African nation. — Xinhua.
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