adminweek and will tackle ways of consolidating regional integration.
The secretariat headed by executive director, Mr Francis Mfune arrived in Zimbabwe ahead of the board meeting to be held in Bulawayo and which will draw all Sadc member states except Madagascar, which is on suspension.
The board meeting comes as Zimbabwe prepares to co-host the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in 2013 together with Zambia.
Briefing journalists in Harare yesterday, Mr Mfune said the board meeting would focus on various issues aimed at how the region could maximise on its collective brand.
“We believe in solidarity. As Sadc we know that we are small to be heard on the world stage as individuals that is why we come together,” he said.
“RETOSA is a concept that the members believe in talking with one voice. They believe in unity of purpose in delivering and promoting tourism.”
Some of the issues the Board will grapple with include how to market the regional brand, how to deal with Madagascar and the global financial crisis that has rocked many Western countries among other issues.
On the financial crisis, Mr Mfune said, there was need to explore ways of exploring new markets without necessarily abandoning the old ones.
Turning to Madagascar, Mr Mfune said while contact with the country had been severed there was need for clarity on how to deal with it.
“What should we do, South African Airways is still flying there everyday, some business is still being done with Madagascar, we need clarity on this one,” he said.
The board meeting will also tackle how the private sector can come on board, and these include hoteliers, airlines and the media among others.
Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze hailed RETOSA for its support on Zimbabwe’s bid to host UNWTO.
“When RETOSA endorsed our bid, it had a lot of value, we also got continental support at the African Union.
“It shows unity,” said Dr Maunganidze.
Online Reporter