ZIMBABWE has won the bid to host the prestigious 2011 Integrated Resorts Tourism Conference. This was revealed at the just ended Integrated Resorts and Entertainment Conference held in Singapore last week.( pictured Harare Sheraton Hotel)
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority said the country starved off competition from many bidders from different continents. The victory according to the ZTA is a reaffirmation of international confidence in the country as a meetings and conferences destination.
ZTA chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke, who was the head of the Zimbabwe delegation to the conference, said Zimbabwe’s participation at this important tourism convention was two pronged, to learn best sector practices as well as to lure potential investors to Zimbabwe.
Commenting on Zimbabwe’s selection to host the 2011 Integrated Resort Conference, the ZTA boss conceded that the opportunity is not coming on a silver platter as there are a number of expectations the country has to meet before the conference finally comes to the country.
“We are celebrating the gesture but it’s a daunting task. As a country we must now provide models of water front resorts and we are looking mainly at Kariba and Lake Chivero among others.
“We now need to work on a comprehensive plan that will be sent to Marcus Evans Events who are the conference organisers for the approval of the targeted investors.”
Zimbabwe’s hosting of this mega tourism Indaba is projected to create cross border investment opportunities and support both the growth and advancement of the hospitality and related sectors.
ZTA’s acting executive director for Research and Product Development Mr Reason Machigere described the conference as an eye opener and highly interactive symposium.
He said the conference highlighted global case studies providing an excellent networking platform with professionals directly linked to the growth and development of Tourism products.
Currently Zimbabwe as a tourist destination does not have integrated facilities and the mega conference penciled for 2011 is premised to lure potential investors for the development of such facilities.
The conference, which was held from July 19 to 20 in Marina Bay, Singapore and drew participants from across the globe, focused on various thematic issues key among them planning and future development as well as operations and project management.
(herald.co.zw)
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