Zim backs Cambodia

Tawanda Musarurwa in VICTORIA FALLS
ZIMBABWE has committed itself to supporting Cambodia in its bid to host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly 21st session. Cambodia, which is located in East Asia and the Pacific region, along with Colombia found in the Americas region are the two countries that are bidding to host the UNWTO General Assembly, which will be held in 2015. Outgoing Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry Engineer Walter Mzembi said they are hoping for a successful Cambodia bid.

“We are rooting for Cambodia, it maybe Colombia but we are routing for Cambodia, hence the Cambodia Night, which was on our programme. We are hoping the Cambodia bid will be successful and we will assist them  in the hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly 21st session,” he said.

In respect of tourism, Cambodia is popular for Unesco World Heritage-listed Angkor Wat, which is one of South-East Asia’s most significant archaeological sites.

According to figures from the UNWTO, Cambodia, attracted 2,8 million international visitors in 2011.
During the same period, 1,5 million people visited Angkor Wat and it is predicted that this number could rise to 1,8 or 1,9 million this year. This high level of tourism traffic raises a number of issues in terms of the protection of cultural heritage sites, namely congestion, seasonality, authenticity and access, which could be key topics at the UNWTO General Assembly 21st session if Cambodia is successful with its bid.

With Zimbabwe and Zambia co-hosting the 20th session, the major issues that have dominated debate here include visa facilitation, air connectivity and accessibility. The UNWTO functions to promote the all-inclusive growth in global tourism by generating market knowledge and promoting competitive and sustainable tourism policies, as well as technical assistance to its member countries. The UNWTO has since approved community-based initiatives for Zimbabwe. The body’s Sustainable Tourism for the Reduction of Poverty will see the increased participation of women and youth in the tourism sector.