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Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
VICTORIA Falls Municipality has joined the World Tourism Cities Federation, a league of top world tourism destinations which seeks to market such places worldwide.
The development is expected to help bolster Government efforts in reviving the country’s economy through rebranding sectors such as tourism.
The country’s prime resort town was recommended by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) to join the 156 member-federation.
Victoria Falls Mayor Councillor Sifiso Mpofu yesterday told The Chronicle that the local authority was ready to partner ZTA in marketing the country.
“We have joined the federation since that is part of our mandate as a tourism town to market Zimbabwe. We would want to partner ZTA to market the country,” he said.
Clr Mpofu said joining the federation was a chance to spread awareness about Zimbabwe to attract more tourists.
The invitation came through the full council meeting last month ahead of a congress in China in which the Mayor was supposed to attend with all expenses fully paid for.
Clr Mpofu, however, said he could not attend the congress because the invite arrived late a few days before the congress.
“We could not make it but in future we will be part of the events as that will help us gain exposure as a destination,” he said.
Victoria Falls councillors had expressed support for the proposal for Victoria Falls to join the federation as the move would promote tourism in Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe at large.
The council resolved that the “municipality applies to join the World Tourism Cities Federation and that the council commences steps to conclude membership with assistance from ZTA.”
ZTA chief executive officer Mr Karikoga Kaseke confirmed the development but could not give further details as he was in a meeting.
Local authorities domiciled in tourism destinations meet under the federation’s banner to exchange information as they market the resorts in their areas.
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Online Reporter