May 18, 2012
NEWS
News, Destinations
Zimbabwe-Zambia win 2013 tourism bid
| October 14,2011
Zimbabwe and Zambia have won the bid to co-host the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly in Victoria Falls after four other contenders withdrew their bids at the last minute.
The victory makes it the second time for Africa to host the event after Senegal did so in 2005.
The proclamation by UNWTO secretary general Mr Talib Rifai yesterday morning came a day after he declared that the Zimbabwe/Zambia bid was the only serious, complete and comprehensive one compared to the ones put up by Russia, Turkey, Jordan and Qatar.
"Since Zimbabwe and Zambia deposited their bid with us at our headquarters in Madrid, Spain, about two months ago, we were very worried and we studied it carefully. After three or four days, we realised that the bid was complete, comprehensive and serious.
"It was a good job well done and well explained. There was no question of any sort that was not answered. Throughout this 19th Session of the UNWTO here in South Korea, I tried by all means to refrain myself from announcing the Zimbabwe/Zambia win, since even my own country of origin, Jordan was bidding.
"So this bid has gone to Africa. It is gone to Zambia and Zimbabwe. I am personally eagerly awaiting the opportunity to be at the Victoria Falls for the UNWTO. Zimbabwe and Zambia become the second hosts in Africa to win the bid after Senegal in 2005.
"Therefore, Senegal should help Zimbabwe and Zambia organise the event to international standards,'' said Mr Rifai at the close of the UNWTO assembly, here.
