UNWTO PLEASED WITH PREPARATIONS FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

A team from The United Nations World Tourism Organisation visited Victoria Falls this week, and we are pleased to announce that so far they are extremely satisfied with the preparations for next year’s general assembly. Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) will be hosting the 2013 UNWTO general assembly and the two countries are very much on track to host the event.

The visiting team also noted that they were inspired by the unity of purpose between the two host nations, and mentioned that they only needed to smoothen their transport system for inter-venue traffic

The visiting team from UNTWO included executive director Zoltan Somogyi, Deputy Director for Africa Mr Helder Thomas and programmes officer Mrs Pearl Blanca. The delegation has advised that they are confident that next year’s general assembly will be an extremely memorable one.

The Zimbabwean government has plans to build a new conference centre as preparation for the assembly. There are also plans to upgrade the Victoria Falls airport. Both projects, together with a number of other upgrades in the area will go a long way in helping to accommodate the expected 3000 visitors from 176 countries.

The towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone are both sure to see a massive boost in tourism as a result of hosting this prestigious event.

Another Successful Victoria Falls Marathon!

Sunday 28 August saw over 700 runners competing in the annual Econet Vic Falls Marathon in Zimbabwe, as well as the Zambezi Lite Half Marathon and Shoprite Fun Run. Highlights included the fantastic weather, amazing service from sponsored water points and the post event cruise and after party on the Zambezi River.

Zimbabwe athletes took the top spots, but a number of runners from Tanzania and Kenya came a long way (by bus) to compete, and take home some of the prizes.

Now in its sixth year, the event has grown from humble beginnings, into one of Africa’s best and most scenic races. Support from sponsors, which included some Go To Victoria Falls members, as well as tight organisation by the management team and the community, made the event a real “team effort”.

The Marathon also resulted in 100 wheelchairs being donated to disabled people in the region, thanks to Network of Caring, as well as donations of supplies to local schools, money and support to chosen charities, as well as a contribution to the Vic Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

Meanwhile, the Zambezi Man Multi Event which combines White Water Rafting, a mountain bike race and the marathon, was also a huge success, proving that the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe remains a world class destination for adventure events.

Victoria Falls working together to speed up immigration

Members of the tourism industry in Victoria Falls have come together in an effort that will ensure that immigration into the tourist town is fast and efficient. Following recent concerns over delays at immigration, meetings were held to see how the issue could be resolved. The industry worked together with the Immigration Office and the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) office in Victoria Falls in easing the flow of guests at the Kazungula Border. 


On Friday 26 August 2011, a Green Route was set up through the use of a tent, two tables and four chairs, courtesy of the Wilderness group’s non-profit organisation Children in the Wilderness, in an effort to assist non visa travellers and returning residents with their entry into the country. Immigration has assigned two extra officers to the Green Route which will undoubtedly alleviate the immigration delays that the border has been experiencing recently.

The 'Green Route' tent, used to speed up immigration at the Kazangula border post

“This is a great start in the right direction,” says Blessing Munyenyiwa, director of Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe, “but there is still a lot to do in making sure all our entry points are improved, which can be done with the support of ZTA and immigration.” The Victoria Falls Border from Zambia will be the next focus, as most airlines fly into Livingstone Airport, carrying almost 40% of guests coming to Zimbabwe.

This is an excellent example of the power of common purpose between government departments and the private sector to deal with, address and fix challenges that impact tourism. All efforts are being made to make Victoria Falls and ultimately Zimbabwe a user friendly destination.

“The support of Victoria Falls tourism industry and their pulling together to promote the destination is admirable. I am certain that we will continue to be the best tourist town in the region and very soon the best in Africa” concluded Munyenyiwa.

For further information on Victoria Falls visit www.gotovictoriafalls.com. 

Some facts about Victoria Falls:

• Victoria Falls is an acclaimed World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World   that everyone should see at least once in their lives. 
• 70% of the vistas are from the Zimbabwe rainforest 
• It’s the largest single curtain of falling water on earth, more than twice the size of Niagara 
• Victoria falls is a 365-day a year destination with weather that is surely unrivalled.