IIPT Supports Zimbabwe – Zambia Joint Bid to Host   
UNWTO 2013 General Assembly

IIPT is proud to support the joint bid of Zimbabwe and Zambia to jointly host the 20th Session of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) General Assembly at Victoria Falls – one of the seven natural wonders of the world – in 2013.

The proposed hosting of the UNWTO General Assembly would be held on the two towns adjacent to Victoria Falls - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia. The Mighty Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, shared by both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

As custodians, on behalf of our collective heritage and the World, of this outstanding World Heritage Site, Zimbabwe and Zambia are inviting the 20^th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly to experience the magic and lure of this unique destination in 2013.

Hon. Eng. Walter Mzembi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality, Zimbabwe

Hon. Given Lubinda, Minister of Information, Broadcasting, and Tourism, Zambia

Timothy T Mushibwe, Board Chairman, Zambia Tourism Board

IIPT was honored to serve as a catalyst in the joint proposal by bringing the two countries together – first at World Travel Market 2010 followed by meetings between the respective Ministers of Tourism during the 5th IIPT African Conference hosted by the Zambia Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources in May 2011.10.01

The two nations’ economies are increasingly looking to Tourism for growth through the development of an alternative and sustainable eco and ethno tourism industry.

Zimbabwe and Zambia enjoy vast tourism resources, and are leading global proponents of acclaimed conservation practices. Both are signatories to several international conservation treaties. The two countries’ regional initiatives in environmental management include, among others, participation in the Kavango Zambezi Trans-frontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA) initiative.  The other members of the KAZA initiative are Angola, Botswana and Namibia.

Of the nineteen (19) General Assemblies including the forthcoming one in South Korea, the Regional Commission for Europe, will have hosted the General Assembly a record nine (9) times, the Regional Commission for East Asia and the Pacific four (4) times while the Regional Commission for Africa, the Regional Commission for the Middle East, and the Regional Commission for the Americas will have hosted it only one time each. 

The governments and people of Zimbabwe and Zambia are requesting  the World to support their bid, and give the Regional Commission for Africa (the UNWTO’s largest Regional Commission) an opportunity to host the General Assembly for a second time.

The Sub-Saharan Africa region is requesting the opportunity to host this prestigious event to showcase to the World the wonderful and unique story that the sub-region has of unparallel peace, warm welcoming people, cultural heritage, and unsurpassed nature, wildlife, and pristine beautiful environs.

Historically, the hosting of the General Assembly in most countries has been followed by accelerated growth in the tourism industry, in particular arrivals and revenue.  The resultant flourishing of economic fortunes has led to job creation and other attendant opportunities. The awarding of the hosting of the 2013 UN WTO General Assembly to the Sub-Saharan Africa Region would be a monumental gesture that will assist the region with the lowest share of the world tourism market to improve its standing in this fastest growing global industry, and contribute to poverty alleviation.

Zimbabwe and Zambia, and indeed the entire Sub Saharan Africa, await the opportunity to extend a warm welcome and genuine hospitality to all delegates participating in the 20th UNWTO General Assembly.

About IIPT

The International Institute for Peace through Tourism (IIPT) is a not for profit organization dedicated to fostering travel and tourism initiatives that contribute to international understanding and cooperation, an improved quality of environment, the preservation of heritage, and poverty reduction; and through these initiatives, helping to bring about a peaceful and sustainable world.  It is founded on a vision of the world’s largest industry, travel and tourism – becoming the world’s first global peace industry; and the belief that every traveler is potentially an “Ambassador for Peace.”

For more information:
IIPT Website: www.iipt.org
Tel: (802) 253-2658
Fax: (802) 253-2645
Email: info@iipt.org

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