Glenn Stutchbury, President of the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism, has dismissed claims that Zambia and Zimbabwe are not on track with preparations for the forthcoming UNWTO General Assembly.
“I find it interesting that the sceptics suggest the two towns are ill-prepared for an event of this size,” said Stutchbury. “When, and not if, we deliver, it will be the greatest endorsement of our destination.”
He said that during a site visit at the end of August, the inspection team gave the private sector’s efforts a thumbs-up.
“We have accorded this event priority status and, as such, a high-powered ZCT team, led by Vice-President (Hospitality) Francis Ngwenya, hotelier Derrick Kung and tour operator Barbara Murasiranwa, is in close liaison with our government and other stakeholders working as the Local Organising Committee,” said Stutchbury.
In response to claims that Victoria Falls airport may only be partially completed, Stutchbury said the ZCT had been informed by the Transport Secretary, Munesu Munodawafa that the existing airport building was small but fully functional, and proposals were to de-congest it by opening up the existing arrivals lounge to create additional space and improve traffic flow.
Munodawafa said plans for extensions to create shaded shelter outside the building were also under consideration. “The runway is being upgraded to take wide-body aircraft, with clearing well under way and the hope is to have this ready by August 2013. There are also plans to build a new international terminal, while the existing terminal becomes domestic.”
He said the new terminal building was expected to take 18 months to build, so may not be complete by UNWTO but would at least allow visitors to appreciate that upgrading work was in progress.
When Tourism Update asked about the proposed conference facilities for the event, Stutchbury said the original plan was to host the main conference facility in a giant air-conditioned marquee in the lush and picturesque bush setting of the Elephant Hills Golf Course, and other meetings and events related to the General Assembly would take place at various venues around Victoria Falls and in Livingstone.
“This was what was proposed in our joint bid document with Zambia, and what was accepted by UNWTO. So far, all preparations are going according to what was proposed in the bid document and the UNWTO teams that have visited to do periodic inspections are happy with this,” he said.
Stutchbury said the ZCT had heard reports of other conference facilities proposed for Vic Falls, to increase the resort's appeal and competitiveness as a conferencing hub, however, these were reportedly longer-term plans that may or may not be realised in time for UNWTO 2013. “Regardless, we are pressing on with delivering what we promised,” said Stutchbury.
“The General Assembly offers an opportunity for the business players at the Falls to up their game, and challenges us to improve what we believe is already an outstanding destination. As industry, we are extremely confident that we are well placed to deliver on accommodation, transport and activities to the visitors,” Stutchbury concluded.