'United States of Africa must be realised,' says Mugabe

President Mugabe says the co-hosting of the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly by Zimbabwe and Zambia had rekindled his late colleague Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's long-held dream of a United States of Africa.

Addressing guests at the official opening of the world tourism indaba in Victoria Falls last night Mugabe said events like this one will help achieve such an objective.

The setting up of a seamless border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, he said, should extend to all African extend to all African touristy borders and that it should be "a rule rather than an exception."

Mugabe said African countries need to promote intra-African travel to increase their share of earnings from global tourism.

Officially opening the 20th session of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly, he said Africa accounted for just four percent of the revenues from global tourism.

President Mugabe said there was no way Africa could increase its share of the global tourism cake if intra-African travel did not increase.

"Indeed, connectivity of African cities, regions and attractions augurs well for growing Africa's share as it serves ultimately to integrate the African tourism product, which in turn makes it more attractive to the long haul travel than is the case now," he said.

The President said African borders needed to be opened up to allow regional block visa regimes such as the Univisa proposed by countries in the Sadc region.

He said Africa should also come up with strategies to lure tourists as Europe was imposing punitive airport departure taxes to prevent tourists from visiting other continents.

President Mugabe commended the decision to hold the bi-annual general assembly in Victoria Falls and Livingstone, saying the two countries would use the event to leverage tourism for economic development of not only Zambia and Zimbabwe but for the whole continent.

He noted that the UNWTO had approved community-based initiatives for Zimbabwe aimed at promoting the participation of youth and women in tourism. He said the initiative was in line the Government's empowerment policies.

He said the general assembly would leave an indelible mark and mark the turning point of the two countries' tourism fortunes.

"We are very enthused by the endorsement of our two countries as worthy hosts of such a meeting, and the recognition of this destination as one that is safe and secure for the world's tourists."

He said the holding of the event in Victoria Falls also inspired the country in its quest to maintain friendly relations with the whole international community.

President Mugabe said Zimbabwe was an active member of the UNWTO from 1980 until 1999, when the country faced challenges brought about largely by illegal sanctions imposed by the West.

The opening ceremony took place at a colourful dinner on the lawns of Victoria Falls Hotel. After the opening ceremony which was punctuated by dance and song by groups showcasing the culture of the two nations, President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart President Michael Sata, switched on lights on the Victoria Falls bridge which links Zimbabwe and Zambia.