Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization
By PANA
Lusaka, Zambia – Delegates from around the world are expected to gather in the tourist cities of Livingstone, Southern Zambia, and Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe, starting on Saturday for the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) general assembly.
About 147 countries are expected to participate in the 24-29 Aug. general assembly being co-hosted by the two countries.
Speaking ahead of the general assembly, UNWTO Executive Director Zoltan Somogyi, who arrived in the country Thursday, said the general assembly is an opportunity for Zambia and Zimbabwe to market themselves to international visitors coming for the conference.
“Zambia and Zimbabwe are very lucky. This is the most visited UNWTO forum compared to those held in the past. We have more delegates registered. It is an opportunity for the two sister countries to promote their tourism and put the two destinations on the world map,” Somogyi said.
The UNWTO general assembly, which is expected to elect the secretary general, will also discuss budgetary programmes for member states and the election of new members to the council of UNWTO.
The tourism ministers, who will meet for round table discussions focusing on improving air connectivity in Africa, will also examine visa issues, taxation and how to make it easier for people to move from one country to the other.
