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Minister Mzembi

PROJECTS and infrastructure developments in Victoria Falls ahead of the UNWTO General Assembly next month will usher in new dimension to the country’s prime tourist destination, a Cabinet minister said last week. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said in an interview that sprucing up of the town would redefine the tourists’ perception of Victoria Falls.
“These will make the town a well sought after destination post-conference period along the lines of the Niagara Falls and the Grand Canyon,” he said.

Zimbabwe and Zambia co-host the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly from August 24 to 29 in Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
Minister Mzembi said all infrastructural developments in Victoria Falls were a result of the conference, which he expects to give the town a global endorsement.

Among the infrastructure upgrades in Victoria Falls since it won the bid to host UNWTO is the rehabilitation of the airport, roads and the lighting up of the bridge which is expected to last 15 years.

He said the marquee that is going to be built to accommodate delegates to the general assembly will place the country in a strong position in the convention hosting business.

“We have decided that the marquee that we will build for the general assembly will not be dismantled but will be used for other conventions and conferences.

“We have asked the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority to set up a conventions bureau and ensure that Zimbabwe will be able to compete with the likes of Cape Town and Durban in South Africa,” he  said.

He added that the ministry would also use the UNWTO General Assembly to unveil the master plan for a 1 200-hectare game park Government had designated for Victoria Falls.

The park will represent Government’s desire to showcase the country’s fauna and flora and preserve Victoria Falls as a prime tourist destination. — New Ziana.