UN names Mugabe 'international tourism ambassador'

President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday received a Golden Book of Tourism from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, joining other world leaders to become promoters of tourism in the world.

Addressing delegates who included Zambian President Michael Sata and Tourism ministers from Zambia and Zimbabwe at the Victoria Falls bridge to witness the Tripartite Signing Ceremony of the UNWTO 2013 General Assembly, Mugabe said the signing ceremony signalled the count-down to the hosting of the world tourism event in August next year.

He said for the people of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the ceremony attests to the two neighbours' preparedness to welcome tourism stakeholders from around the world.

"It is a huge responsibility, but one that wee earned through the hard work of our ministers," he said."Today's event actualises that yearning to promote seamless cross-border tourism.

"To us as siamese twins, Zimbabwe and Zambia, the pledge is to assiduously work together towards August 2013. We also rejoice that this event is yet another demonstration of the long established bond between our people.

"We will spare no effort in delivering to you and the whole global tourism family a uniquely African experience," said Mugabe.