Zimbabwe plans to set up a National Conventions Bureau in Victoria Falls before the end of the year. The bureau’s main task will be to look for opportunities for the country to host major international gatherings. Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Walter Mzembi, was quoted in local newspapers as saying: “I have received support from the cabinet of Zimbabwe through his Excellency President Robert Mugabe, that we immediately look at the setting up of a National Conventions Bureau which will be a cross cutting platform, going out there to advocate, lobby, scout and secure rights to international conventions, international meetings, international exhibitions and at the same time promoting incentive travel. ZTA Chief Executive, Karikoga Kaseke, was quoted as saying: “I have no doubt that developing Mice tourism would bring benefits, not only to the tourism sector but also to general trade and the promotion of the image of Zimbabwe.” The private sector has cautiously welcomed the announcement. Emmanuel Fundira, Group Chief Executive at Astoc Leisure Group and Vice Chairman of the Safari Operators Association of Zimbabwe, told Tourism Update the Minister was talking about setting up a Convention Bureau in Vic Falls as a joint venture with the private sector. The investment for this venture is estimated at US$6m of which the government intends to contribute $1,5m. Fundira added, however, that the downside was that these government announcements were made before any meaningful discussions had been entered into by the private sector. “Therefore we have no clue about whether the idea would receive meaningful support or whether it might just be a populist statement.”
Posted on: Tue, 29 Oct 2013 05:50:00 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015