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Masebo outlines Zambia’s preparedness to host the UNWTO
Berlin (Germany), March 8, ZANIS – Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo has maintained that Zambia and Zimbabwe have adequately prepared for hosting the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly even if the event was to be held tomorrow.
Speaking in Berlin, Germany, today, Ms Masebo said the preparedness of the two countries can be seen in the strengthened collaborative efforts at various levels as the UNWTO event draws close.
Answering questions from Zimbabweans journalists who mobbed her when she visited that country’s stand at the ongoing World Travel Trade show in Berlin, Ms Masebo stressed that the two countries have so far done well and are ready to host the event.
“As we stand now, Zambia and Zimbabwe area both ready to host this event. The two countries have been working in unison,” the minister said.
Ms Masebo explained that the two countries will use the UNWTO general assembly to showcase Africa as a preferred tourism destination.
“We want this to even go beyond the UNWTO,” she said.
The Zimbabwean journalists wanted to know if the two countries would manage to host the event considering that only few months are remaining before the hosting dates of 24 to 29th August 2013.
But Ms Masebo maintained that the two countries have done well in the preparations as they have been busy developing tourism infrastructure.
“The two countries are working as one. We have various technical committees including the ministerial one,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ms Masebo has visited various African stands at the ongoing World Travel show to lobby their support during the hosting on the UNWTO general assembly.
The minister met and discussed with senior officials from the African countries that are exhibiting at the show.
Among the stands visited include those of the Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, South Sudan and Nigeria.
Ms Masebo called for support among African countries in order to foster economic development.
When she visited the Nigerian stands, she proposed that Zambia and Nigeria should consider having a friendly football match as former and current African champions as part of the UNWTO general assembly activities.
Ms Masebo discussed with Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, Olumba Runsewe, how the two countries can benefit from sports tourism.
