Business / Companies
Excitement mounts with the pending arrival of UNWTO
26 Jul 2013 at 12:18hrs | Views
With elections pending and then the hosting of the 20th UNWTO General Assembly, Victoria Falls and the region is abuzz with activity in preparation of this prestigious event. Due to open on the 24th of August, the town and tourism industry, along with Ministry and Government are confident of delivering a successful event, along with their co-hosts Zambia.
"Many private sector players have invested in their people, products, equipment, vehicles and service delivery in preparation for this once in a life time event," say Ross Kennedy, Chief Executive of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT). "This is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the remarkable destination of Victoria Falls, along with our world class properties and experiences."
"As AAT, we have spent in excess of US$3 million on the refurbishment of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and on the introduction of our new premium property, the luxurious Victoria Falls Safari Club," says Kennedy. "A demonstration of our commitment to the tourism industry, the community and our confidence in Victoria Falls as a destination," comments Kennedy, "is an additional investment of US$1,7 million on further upgrades and product enhancements on all 72 rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. This will also include the creation of six, 2 and 3 bedroomed luxury Garden Suites adjoining the Victoria Falls Safari Club and takes place over the next eight months."
In addition to the private sectors efforts to ensure that the General Assembly is a success, Government and the Ministry have provided training in languages, including, Chinese, French and German as well as training on Protocol and Culture to all sectors of the tourism industry.
"The Legacy of this Assembly is the single most important element for the destination and the tourism industry," says Dave Glynn, AAT Chairman. "This legacy includes an upgraded modern airport with an extended runaway that can handle long haul wide bodied jets, which is a significant game changer for the destination and the region," states Glynn. "This event has also been the catalyst for improvements, upgrades and new infrastructure in the resort town, including hospital, clinic, water reticulation, sewerage treatment plant, roads and IT connectivity, all of which combine to create a substantial facelift and makeover of the destination." Glynn went on to say that; "the Ministry of Tourism, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Private sector are fortunate to have this platform and now need to leverage this opportunity."
All of this activity and groundwork in preparation for the Assembly has seemingly overshadowed arrangements for the elections and the Town expects everything to go according to plan on Election Day.
In terms of a destination, the UNWTO could hardly have done better, considering that Victoria Falls forms the Hub of this truly magnificent tourism zone, which within a 500km radius includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia as well as truly magnificent wildlife and adventure activity opportunities.
"Many private sector players have invested in their people, products, equipment, vehicles and service delivery in preparation for this once in a life time event," say Ross Kennedy, Chief Executive of Africa Albida Tourism (AAT). "This is an outstanding opportunity to showcase the remarkable destination of Victoria Falls, along with our world class properties and experiences."
"As AAT, we have spent in excess of US$3 million on the refurbishment of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and on the introduction of our new premium property, the luxurious Victoria Falls Safari Club," says Kennedy. "A demonstration of our commitment to the tourism industry, the community and our confidence in Victoria Falls as a destination," comments Kennedy, "is an additional investment of US$1,7 million on further upgrades and product enhancements on all 72 rooms at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. This will also include the creation of six, 2 and 3 bedroomed luxury Garden Suites adjoining the Victoria Falls Safari Club and takes place over the next eight months."
In addition to the private sectors efforts to ensure that the General Assembly is a success, Government and the Ministry have provided training in languages, including, Chinese, French and German as well as training on Protocol and Culture to all sectors of the tourism industry.
"The Legacy of this Assembly is the single most important element for the destination and the tourism industry," says Dave Glynn, AAT Chairman. "This legacy includes an upgraded modern airport with an extended runaway that can handle long haul wide bodied jets, which is a significant game changer for the destination and the region," states Glynn. "This event has also been the catalyst for improvements, upgrades and new infrastructure in the resort town, including hospital, clinic, water reticulation, sewerage treatment plant, roads and IT connectivity, all of which combine to create a substantial facelift and makeover of the destination." Glynn went on to say that; "the Ministry of Tourism, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority and the Private sector are fortunate to have this platform and now need to leverage this opportunity."
All of this activity and groundwork in preparation for the Assembly has seemingly overshadowed arrangements for the elections and the Town expects everything to go according to plan on Election Day.
In terms of a destination, the UNWTO could hardly have done better, considering that Victoria Falls forms the Hub of this truly magnificent tourism zone, which within a 500km radius includes Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia as well as truly magnificent wildlife and adventure activity opportunities.
Source - takenote
