Zimbabwe To Host 2011 Integrated Resorts Tourism Conference.

Jul 23, 2010

By www.ztazim.co.zw

Zimbabwe has won an opportunity to host the next edition of the Integrated Resorts Conference ahead of many bidders from different continents, a feat appraised as another pointer of international confidence on the country as a meetings and conferences destination. This was revealed at the just ended Integrated Resorts and Entertainment Conference held in Singapore.

In an interview from Singapore, the Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, who is also the head of the Zimbabwe delegation to the conference held in Marina Bay, Mr. Karikoga Kaseke said Zimbabwe’s participation at this important Tourism convention was two pronged, in that it provides a forum 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 Zimbabwe.  “We are celebrating the gesture but it is 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. The acting Executive Director Research and Product Development in the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Mr. Reason Machigere described the conference as an eye opener and highly interactive symposium, which 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 19 to 20 July in Marina Bay Singapore drew participants from across the Globe. It focused on various thematic issues key among them, planning and future development as well as operations and project management.

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