UNWTO will support Zimbabwe in its goal to re-emerge as a major African tourism destination. On a recent trip to the country, UNWTO Assistant Secretary-General, Geoffrey Lipman, and Helder Tomas  from the  Regional Representation for Africa, noted the country’s potential and opportunity to revive its tourism sector and contribute to economic growth, jobs and poverty reduction.

The UNWTO mission was responding to a request from Zimbabwe’s Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Hon. Eng. Walter Mzembi (MP) to assess the current state of tourism in Zimbabwe and identify areas for supportive action.

Very constructive and positive meetings were held with the Vice President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister: Ministers of Finance, Environment, ICT, SME: Senior Officials in Economic Planning / Investment and Transport: as well as with UNDP, Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and Zimbabwe Tourism Council. Exchanges were held with the media and other stakeholders and the Assistant Secretary-General was also the guest of the national television program “Face the Nation”. 

Geoffrey Lipman expressed great appreciation for the frank and open exchanges as well as the Organization’s support for the re-emergence of Zimbabwe as a major African Tourism Centre and underscored the special role of tourism in poverty alleviation and job creation – particularly in small and medium enterprises. 

“We found a very strong commitment at all levels of the public and private sector to promote Tourism as a key element of renewed national economic development“, Mr. Lipman said. “Much of the underlying infrastructure and product remains in place- the challenge now is regeneration.” 

Much attention was paid to the opportunity presented by the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Soccer fans coming to Southern Africa for the World Cup present a unique opportunity to attract visitors to Zimbabwe. Billions more will tune in through multimedia and this will be a chance to spotlight Zimbabwe’s Tourism product – particularly the world renowned Victoria Falls. 

UNWTO will explore how to help tourism in Zimbabwe in a number of basic areas such as capacity building, community tourism, brand development, statistics and Tourism Satellite Accounting. It will also look at issues around 2010 preparedness, strengthening competitiveness, national park conservation and how Victoria Falls can successfully transform to the Green Economy. 

”The mission showed the strong support of UNWTO for Zimbabwe Tourism and the enthusiasm of the sector and across Government as a whole for the great benefits tourism can bring to the people of Zimbabwe”, said Minister Mzembi

Source:unwto.org