Stop politicising Mugabe's Asia visit says Mzembi

The Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Engineer Walter Mzembi says there is no need for people to politicise President Robert Mugabe's visit to the far-east during his annual leave as tourism is a peace sector that thrives on good relations with other countries.

Engineer Mzembi was responding to media reports in which some people had politicised the President's visit to the far-east and interpreted it as if local attractions are not good enough for the First Family.

He said it is in fact a sign of reciprocity that countries give to each other as they strengthen their relations, adding that such visits afford time to learn and adopt new ideas which can be used to spearhead programmes that bring about development in the country.

"The President's visit to the far-east also fulfils the requirements of the Golden Book of Tourism awarded to him in May 2013 by the UNWTO Secretary General, Mr Talib Rifai that he will commit himself to the activities of tourism globally in terms of hostess-ship, source-market development and leadership in communicating good will between nations," said Engineer Mzembi.

He also said some SADC heads of state who had attended the Victoria Falls summit in August took time to visit some of the country's attractions soon after the meeting and hence there is nothing wrong about the President's visit to other countries.

The Minister added that government initiated the civil service incentive scheme for tourism and travel to afford each citizen time to rest.