UNWTO Live Blog Mr Taleb Rifai
Chief executive of friends of Joshua Nkomo trust Beverly Pullen shows Christopher Ndlovu some of the chairs that were used by the late Vice president Joshua Nkomo

Chief executive of Friends of Joshua Nkomo Trust Beverly Pullen shows Mr Christopher Ndlovu some of the chairs that were used by the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo

Chief execurtive of friends of jushua nkomo trust Beverly Pullen shows christopher ndlovu the bed that the late Joshua Nkomo used to sleep on at Gonakudzingwa prison in 1964-1974(2)

Chief executive of friends of Joshua Nkomo Trust Beverly Pullen shows Christopher Ndlovu the bed that the late Joshua Nkomo used to sleep on at Gonakudzingwa Prison in 1964-1974

 

Chief executive of friends of Joshua Nkomo trust Beverly Pullen shows Christopher Ndlovu the original prison  that the late Vice president Joshua Nkomo used to sleep at Gonakudzingwa prison in 1964-1974

Chief executive of Friends of Joshua Nkomo Trust Beverly Pullen shows Mr Christopher Ndlovu the original prison cell the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo used to sleep in at Gonakudzingwa prison between 1964 and 1974

 

 

SME's exhibitors preparing to go home after the UNWTO conference in Victoria falls

SME exhibitors preparing to go home after the UNWTO conference in Victoria Falls

Some of the SME's who exhibited during the UNWTO in Victoria falls benefiting from the Indigenisation programme through ZTA as the Government bought some of their products for delegates

Some of the SME exhibitors at the UNWTO in Victoria Falls benefited from the indigenisation programme through ZTA as the Government bought some of their products for delegates

Vatonga group relaxing as curtains came down for the UNWTO Assembly in Victoria falls yesterday

Vatonga group relaxing as curtains came down on the UNWTO Assembly in Victoria falls yesterday

Ashava designs director Rose Vambe thanks ZTA CEO after a successful business week

Ashava designs director Rose Vambe thanks ZTA CEO after a successful business week

1614: The final plenary sessions of the 20th UNWTO General Assembly which were being held in Livingstone, Zambia are complete with Colombia being nominated to host the 21st UNWTO assembly in 2015

Wednesday

2308: Delegates are strolling to their hotel rooms after the closing ceremony of the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly
2110: Dinner is served
2108: Zambian Cultural dancers are now entertaining guests

Traditional dances during the official closing in Livingstone

Traditional dances during the official closing in Livingstone

2101: Zambian President Sata has addressed delegates officially closing the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly

Tourism Ministers Engineer Walter Mzembi and Sylvia Masebo congratulate President Mugabe for a poetic speech at the closing ceremony of the UNWTO General Assembly 20th Session

Tourism Ministers Engineer Walter Mzembi and Sylvia Masebo congratulate President Mugabe for a poetic speech at the closing ceremony of the UNWTO General Assembly 20th Session

2055: President Mugabe has addressed delegates at the closing ceremony. He called upon the UNWTO foreign delegates to act as ambassadors and tell the true Zimbabwean story when they go back to their respective countries
Zambian tourism Minister Ms Sylvia Masebo is giving her address to the gathering
1955: He also highlighted the commitment of both the Zimbabwean and and Zambian Governments’ commitment to implementing tourism policies that drive the growth of the sector
1953: Outgoing Minister of Tourism Walter Mzembi has just addressed the gathered delegates. He congratulated Mr Taleb Rifai on his re-election to the post of UNWTO Secretary general

Delegates following proceedings at the official closing of the  UNWTO General Assembly 20th Session  in Livingstone, Zambia

Delegates following proceedings at the official closing of the UNWTO General Assembly 20th Session in Livingstone, Zambia

First Ladies Amai Grace Mugabe and Christine Kasebo Sata follow proceedings at the UNWTO official closing in Livingstone, Zambia

First Ladies Amai Grace Mugabe (right)  and Christine Kasebo Sata follow proceedings at the UNWTO General Assembly 20th Session official closing in Livingstone, Zambia

1933: The national anthems of both Zimbabwe and Zambia have been sung
1933: President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart President Sata have arrived at the Royal Livingstone Hotel
1913: Delegates are currently gathering for the closing ceremony which is due to start soon
1907: The re-elected UNWTO secretary general has briefed journalists on some of the outcomes of the plenary sessions that were held earlier today, among key issues is the implementation of policies on improved air connectivity, especially among African states and remote Islands as well as implementation of open Visa systems and financing.

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai makes some remarks during a round up press conference in Livingstone Zambia

UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai makes some remarks during a round up press conference in Livingstone Zambia

1701: Delegates are now readying for a press briefing
1700: The 4th plenary session has just ended

Some of the delegates at the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel in Zambia

Some of the delegates at the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel in Zambia

Kaletsa dance group performing during the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel  Zambia

Kaletsa dance group performing during the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel Zambia

Kaletsa dance group perform in Livingstone Zambia

Kaletsa dance group perform in Livingstone Zambia

Tables set at Livingstone hotel for the official closing ceremony of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly later today in Zambia

Tables set at Livingstone hotel for the official closing ceremony of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly later today in Zambia

 

UNWTO Conference Centre at Livingstone   Hotel, Zambia

UNWTO Conference Centre at Livingstone Hotel, Zambia

 

Tourism and Hospitality Permanent Secretary  Magaret Mukahanana follow proceedings during the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel, Zambia

Tourism and Hospitality Permanent Secretary Magaret Mukahanana follows proceedings during the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly at Livingstone hotel, Zambia

 

 

 

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Mr Karikoga Kaseke during an interview with journalists at Zambezi Sun hotel in Livingstone Zambia.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority CEO Mr Karikoga Kaseke during an interview with journalists at Zambezi Sun hotel in Livingstone Zambia.

Wednesday

1552: The representative of Cambodia ,which is bidding to host the UNWTO General Assembly 21st Session,says his country in in support of improved air connectivity and open access systems

1549: The plenary session is underway and the various country delegates are giving their feedback on issues of air connectivity (in relation to air transportaion);visa systems and open access

1506: Preparations are underway at the Royal Livingstone Hotel for the closing ceremony which is expected to begin at 1830 this evening here in Zambia.The ceremony will be graced by Presidents Robert Mugabe and Michael Sata

1500: The third plenary session is underway in Zambia.The current UNWTO Secretary General has just been reappointed to the post.

As the United Nations World Tourism Organisation  20th session of the General Assembly draws to a close, here are some of  the highlights you might have missed out on (pics by Munyaradzi Chamalimba):

UNWTO delegates during a game  drive at Hwange National Park

UNWTO delegates during a game drive at Hwange National Park

UNWTO delegates  being served lunch at Hwange National Park

UNWTO delegates being served lunch at Hwange National Park

 

The Conference Center

 

Conference Centre for UNWTO General Assembly (3)

Conference Centre for UNWTO General Assembly (6)

 

Conference Centre for UNWTO General Assembly

Conference Centre for  the  UNWTO General Assembly

 

Celebration Church choir performing during the official opening of the UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls hotel

Celebration Church choir performing during the official opening of the UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls Hotel

National dance ensemble perform during the official opening of he UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls hotel on Sunday

National dance ensemble performs during the official opening of he UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls hotel on Sunday

 

Fire works at the UNWTO 20th General Assembly official launch at Victoria Falls Hotel

Fire works at the UNWTO 20th General Assembly official launch at Victoria Falls Hotel

Delegates following proceedings during the UNWTO official opening at Victoria Falls hotel last Sunday

Delegates following proceedings during the UNWTO official opening at Victoria Falls Hotel last Sunday

Celebration Church choir performing during the official opening of the UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls hotel

Celebration Church choir performing during the official opening of the UNWTO General Assembly at Victoria Falls Hotel

 

 

Tuesday

Delegates take to the dance floor

Delegates take to the dance floor

1553: After lunch the First Lady and the delegates hit the dance floor. On a parting  note,the UNWTO delegates have donated a piano and some provisions to the  orpahnage. The delegates are now leaving for the Harare International Airport on their way back to  Victoria Falls.

1441: The First Lady says they are planning to build a secondary school,as well as a university to compliment the Orphanage and Primary School.In an  address to the gathered delegates, the wife of the UNWTO Secretary General,Mrs Rifai, has thanked the Zimbabwean government for being courteous hosts during the course of the UNWTO General Assembly

1345: She is addressing the delegates during lunch, calling upon the visiting UNWTO delegates to promote the positive image of  Zimbabwe that they have seen to the International Community

1330: The tour is over and the delegates,hosted by the First Lady, are about to have lunch

1320:

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe shares a lighter moment with UNWTO head of delegation Nisrine Rifai and child Yoninah during a tour of at Amai Mugabe School in Mazoe -pic by Tawanda  Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe shares a lighter moment with UNWTO head of delegation Nisrine Rifai during a tour of  the Amai Mugabe School in Mazowe -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe addresses  to UNWTO delegation during a tour of Amai Mugabe School in Mazoe-pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe addresses to UNWTO delegation during a tour of Amai Mugabe School in Mazowe-pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe lifts up Dexter ,one of the orphans-pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe lifts up Dexter ,one of the orphans at her orphanage -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

1258:

Delegates tour the Amai Mugabe Junior School in Mazowe

Delegates tour the Amai Mugabe Junior School in Mazowe

1250: The First Lady is currently addressing the delegates on the school`s infrastructure and sytems

school

1244: Delegates have arrived at the School

1200: The milk factory tour has ended,now headed for the the First Lady`s  Childrens` Home

1130:

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe show her products to UNWTO head of delegation Nisrine Rifai and other delegates -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe shows her products to UNWTO head of delegation, Nisrine Rifai and other delegates -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe show her products to UNWTO head of delegation Nisrine Rifai -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe shows her products to UNWTO head of delegation, Nisrine Rifai -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

 

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe flanked by Gavin Mcleman of USA and Barbara Mzembi -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe flanked by Gavin Mcleman of USA and Barbara Mzembi (Tourism and Hospitality Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi`s wife) -pic by Tawanda Mudimu

 

 

Delegates being briefed on the milk factory  and staff

Delegates chat to staff before a tour of the milk factory

1128:

The delegates have arrived at Gushungo Holdings and are being welcomed by the First Lady Grace Mugabe and daughter Bona

The delegates have arrived at Gushungo Holdings and are being welcomed by the First Lady Amai Grace Mugabe and daughter Bona

1014: The tour of  the National Shrine has just ended. The delegation is now headed for Gushungo Holdings in Mazowe

0924: The delegates are being briefed on the history and purpose of the National Shrine

delegates at national shrine

Delegates briefing

Delegates get a briefing before a tour of the National Shrine

0919: They have arrived at the National Heroes` Acre

0900: The delegates have just touched down at the Harare International Airport

Candy Bungee jumping into Zambezi river

Candy (a tourist) bungee jumping into Zambezi river

The Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge

Candy sliding across Zambezi river  in Victoria Falls

Candy (a tourist) sliding across Zambezi river in Victoria Falls

A train used to transport tourists between Zimbabwe and Zambia along Victoria Falls Bridge

A train used to transport tourists between Zimbabwe and Zambia across the Victoria Falls Bridge

A Police officer gives tourists directions

A police officer gives tourists directions

Tourists at Victoria Falls Bridge

Tourists at  the Victoria Falls Bridge

tourits at Victoria Falls Bridge

Tourists at the Victoria Falls Bridge

0707: Some of the delegates have arrived at the Vic Falls Airport on their way to Harare,where they will tour President Mugabe`s Farm in Mazowe and the National Heroes` Acre

Monday

1904: The first plenary session has ended

1856:

Former UNWTO President Min Hong Min hands over presidency to the incoming Co-president of the organisation Engineer Walter Mzembi while his Zambian counterpart Sylvia Masebo and Secretary General Taleb Rifai looks on

Former UNWTO President Min Hong Min hands over the presidency to the incoming Co-president of the organisation Engineer Walter Mzembi

1756:

UNWTO 20th General Assembly in Session

UNWTO 20th General Assembly in Session

1532: Outgoing Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi is presently giving his welcoming remarks to delegates gathered for the first plenary session

1531: Meanwhile,the first plenary session of the UNWTO 20th General Assembly has begun

1530: Malawian President Joyce Banda told the Ministerial Round table that Sadc is committed to the idea of a uni-visa

1305:

Star FM presenter Innocent Chuma and co-presenter The Herald Features Editor Isdore Guvamombe interviews outgoing Victoria Falls Mayor Mr Nkosilathi Jiyane(left)  outside the UNWTO conference centre in Victoria Fal

Star FM presenter Innocent Chuma and The Herald Features Editor Isdore Guvamombe  interview outgoing Victoria Falls Mayor Mr Nkosilathi Jiyane(left) outside the UNWTO Conference Centre in Victoria Falls

1253:  UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai addresses journalists on the progress so far of the Ministerial Round Table meeting which is still underway at Elephant Hills hotel in Victoria Falls

1242: The media are now awaiting to be briefed on the outcome of the outcome of the Ministerial Roundtable

1238: The Ministerial Round Table meeting has ended

1202:

Vice President Joice Mujuru;Malawian President Joyce Banda;UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi and EU Ambassador Dell' Ariccia in a closed Ministerial Roundtable session  at  Elephant Hills Hotel

Vice President Joice Mujuru;Malawian President Joyce Banda;UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai; Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi and EU Ambassador Dell’ Ariccia in a closed Ministerial Roundtable session at Elephant Hills Hotel

1145:

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi chats with UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi chats with UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai

1142:

Zambian Tourism and Arts Minister Mrs Sylvia Masebo shares a lighter moment with UNWTO secretary general Mr Taleb Rifai before a meeting at Elephant Hills hotel in Victoria Falls

Zambian Tourism and Arts Minister Mrs Sylvia Masebo shares a lighter moment with UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai before a meeting at Elephant Hills hotel in Victoria Falls

1140:

Malawian President Mrs Joyce Banda being introduced to UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls.

Malawian President Mrs Joyce Banda being introduced to UNWTO Secretary General Mr Taleb Rifai by Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Engineer Walter Mzembi at Elephant Hills Hotel in Victoria Falls.

1058: Vice President Joice Mujuru; Malawian President Joyce Banda and Ministerial delegates are currently locked in a  a closed Ministerial Roundtable session here at the Elephant Hills Hotel

1037: In a brief interview with journalists President Banda said she is here in her capacity as Chairperson of Sadc. She congratulated Zimbabwe and Zambia on co-hosting the event saying that the UNWTO event is a success for the Sadc Community

0940: President Banda is now on her way to Elephant Hills Hotel. She  is expected to join other delegates at the UNWTO General Assembly

0939: Malawian President Joyce Banda has just arrived at the Vic.Falls International Airport and was welcomed by VP Joice Mujuru, outgoing tourism minister Walter Mzembi and other senior government officials

Sunday

21:32 – President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart President Sata are now posing for a photo shoot on stage, with fireworks lighting the sky. Tomorrow we will give you more updates on the UNWTO.

21:31 – The lighting of the Victoria Falls Bridge has just taken place.

21:25 – President Mugabe has addressed the gathering and declared the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly officially opened.

21:01 – Zambian President Michael Sata has just addressed the gathering, saying both Zambia ans Zimbabwe are committed to growing tourism in the region.

20:39 – UNWTO secretary-general Mr Taleb Rifai has just given his remarks, highlighting this General Assemby as the best ever in terms of attendance.

20:24 – Outgoing Zimbabwean Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi and his Zambian counterpart Ms S.T Masebo have just given their remarks.

20:02 – President Mugabe and President Sata have arrived at the venue for the official opening ceremony.

18:57 – Delegates are now gathered at the stunningly decorated grounds of Vic Falls Hotel, awaiting President Mugabe’s arrival.

18:39 – President Mugabe has officially opened the new convention centre at Elephant Hills hotel where the meeting of the UNWTO will take place.

17:41 – The president has arrived at Vic Falls Airport and is being welcomed by Vice President Joyce Mujuru and Zanu PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo.

16:51 – Vice President Joice Mujuru and Zanu PF national chairman Cde Simon Khaya Moyo have just arrived along with senior Government officials and chiefs. Meanwhile, Livingstone Way is decorated with Zanu PF supporters awaiting the President’s arrival.

16:36 – President Mugabe set to arrive this afternoon in Victoria Falls for the official opening of the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly. Delegates and journalists are now leaving for Victoria Falls Airport to welcome the President.

 

Danai Pawandiwa and Tapiwa Kupfuwa at the potraits of President Mugabe and  First Lady Amai Grace at the Zimbabwe cultural centre

Danai Pawandiwa and Tapiwa Kupfuwa pose beside the  portraits of President Mugabe and First Lady Amai Grace at the Zimbabwe Cultural Centre

Nambya dance group performing at the Zimbabwe cultural village at the UNWTO at Elephant Hills hotel in Victoria Falls

Nambya dance group performing at the Zimbabwe cultural village  at the  Elephant Hills hotel in Victoria Falls

Some delagates at UNWTO General Assembly have a look at Nyaminyami walking sticks at the Zimbabwe cultural village

Some delagates at UNWTO General Assembly have a look at Nyaminyami walking sticks at the Zimbabwe Cultural Village

The Nambya dance group showing how they  perform   their rituals at the Zimbabwe Cultural village in Victoria Falls

The Nambya dance group showing how they perform their rituals at the Zimbabwe Cultural village in Victoria Falls

Slizer on stage during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Slizer on stage during the UNWTO  musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Part of the crowd that attended UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School yesterday

Part of the crowd that attended the  UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School yesterday

Sandra dances Muchongoyo with a fan during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Sandra dances muchongoyo with a fan during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Slizer shares stage with Sandra Ndebele during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Slizer shares  the stage with Sandra Ndebele during the UNWTO musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Sandra Ndebele performing some of her popular dances during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Sandra Ndebele performing some of her popular dances during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Jahprayzah peforming during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primar School

Jah Prayzah performing during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

One of Slizer's dancers during the gala

One of Slizer’s dancers during the gala

Mokoomba performs during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Mokoomba performs during the UNWTO tourism night musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Botswana based cultural dance group peformes during the UNWTO musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

A Botswana based cultural dance group performs during the UNWTO musical gala at Victoria Falls Primary School

Some of the faces that were part of the Victoria Falls street carnival

Some of the faces that were part of the Victoria Falls Street Carnival

 

 

 

street carnival pictures along Livinstone way in Victoria Falls

Street Carnival pictures along Livingstone Way in Victoria Falls

Business came to a stand still as vendors at Chinotimba market watch street carnival proceedings from a fence in Victoria Falls

Business came to a stand still as vendors at Chinotimba market watched  street carnival proceedings from behind a fence in Victoria Falls

A tourist recording moments during a street carnival in Victoria Falls.

A tourist recording events during the street carnival in Victoria Falls.

Afrcan Trophy truck making its way into Chinotimba stadium during a street carnival in Victoria Falls

African Trophy truck making its way into Chinotimba stadium during the street carnival in Victoria Falls

A tourist dances along with King of the jungle dance group members during a street carnival in Victoria Falls

A tourist dances along with King of the Jungle Dance Group members during the street carnival in Victoria Falls

A chongololo making its way into Chinotimba stadium during a street carnival.

A chongololo making its way into Chinotimba stadium during the street carnival.

Participants of the Victoria falls street carnival pose for a picture in Chimotimba stadium.

Participants at the Victoria Falls Street Carnival pose for a picture at  Chinotimba stadium.

Paricipants of the Victoria Falls street Carnival stand next to a Rhino dressed in Zimbabwean colours

Participants at the Victoria Falls Street Carnival stand next to a rhino dressed in Zimbabwean colors

Members of Horn o Africa group perform during a street carnival in Victoria Falls

Members of the Horn of Africa Dance Group perform during the street carnival in Victoria Falls

Lovemore Moyo member of the Horn of Africa group perform during a street carnival in Victoria Falls.

Lovemore Moyo, member of the Horn of Africa Dance Group, performs during the street carnival in Victoria Falls.

Some of the faces that were part of the Victoria Falls street carnival

Some of the characters  that were part of the Victoria Falls street carnival

Residents of Chinotimba surburb gaze with joy at processions by different participants during a street carnival

Residents of Chinotimba suburb gaze with joy at processions by different participants during the street carnival

Participants of the Victoria falls street carnival pose for a picture in Chimotimba stadium

Participants of the Victoria Falls Street Carnival pose for a picture at Chinotimba Stadium

People celebrating in stlyle the hosting of UNWTO General Assembly through street carnival along Livingstone way in Victoria Falls

People celebrating in style the hosting of UNWTO General Assembly through a street carnival along Livingstone Way in Victoria Falls

Victoria falls boy scouts and girl guides during a street carnival along Livingstone way in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Boy Scouts and Girl Guides during the street carnival along Livingstone Way in Victoria Falls

A Police officer patrols Chinotimba stadium.

A police officer patrols Chinotimba Stadium.

Some of the faces that were part of the Victoria Falls street carnival

Some of the faces that were part of the Victoria Falls Street Carnival

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