Why Mzembi will not fail Africa’s UNWTO vision
Of importance to note also in Dr Mzembi’s vision is the desire to promote fairness through crafting policies that foster global tourism growth and availing equitable resources to member states.
ZIMBABWE’S Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Dr Walter Mzembi, has been entrusted to carry the African torch to the portals of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation and his vision articulated in a 10-point plan he announced during the official launch of his campaign in Madrid, Spain, recently, must have left many salivating while keeping their fingers crossed.
UNWTO is one of the 17 specialised agencies of the United Nations and is mandated to promote responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism and since its inception in 1974, only Africa and Asia are still to occupy Secretary-General top job currently held by Jordan’s Dr Taleb Rifai. And with Dr Mzembi’s all-inclusive vision towards the development of tourism, not only in Africa, but the world at large, there is every reason for all and sundry to start believing that it is surely time that the UNWTO Secretary-General’s post comes to Africa.
In fact, history vindicates Africa on the few instances when Africans were mandated to run international organisations, they have done very well.
Twice, Africans Dr Boutros Boutros Ghali of Egypt and Ghana’s Dr Kofi Annan headed the United Nations itself between 1992 to 1996 and 1997 to 2006, respectively.
Each left an indelible mark on the UN echelons and with Dr Mzembi’s experience in the UNWTO executive council and African Commission of Tourism, there is no doubt he will take global tourism to new heights if given a chance. He is surely an agent for change. While Dr Annan is from West Africa, the late Dr Ghali was from North Africa and Africa’s UNWTO candidate Dr Walter Mzembi is from Southern Africa, itself a clear indication of unselfishness and zeal by African Heads of State and Government to give every region a chance. Pretty aware of what Africa expects of him, Dr Mzembi has already embarked on a whirlwind tour of the world seeking votes as the UNWTO plebiscite pencilled in for 11 and 12 May reaches a crescendo.
Dr Mzembi’s campaign appeared in jeopardy due to lack of funding, but now there is hope thanks to Zimbabwe’s telecommunications giant, NetOne, which has chipped in with the necessary funding for his campaign. The sponsorship package from the mobile operator, which will cater for Dr Mzembi’s communication and publicity needs, will go a long way in selling his vision for the UNWTO as outlined in the 10-point plan. Some of the major highlights in Dr Mzembi’s 10-point plan include improving membership of the UNWTO from the current 157 to match the total number of the actual UN membership, which stands at 192.
He also seeks to develop value propositions that meet member states’ aspirations beyond the current technical policy functions with emphasis to networking and partnerships for tourism resource mobilisation and developmental needs.
Dr Mzembi also seeks to put in place a responsive strategy in the face of the emerging threats to the development of global tourism brought about by such factors as terrorism, climate change, epidemics and human trafficking.
Of importance to note also in Dr Mzembi’s vision is the desire to promote fairness through crafting policies that foster global tourism growth and availing equitable resources to member States.
Dr Mzembi seeks to spur global tourism GDP from the present 10 percent to 15 percent during his tenure.
Because of his expertise and experience in the tourism industry, many have put money on the candidature of Dr Mzembi to land the UNWTO top job come May. But like in any election, there are bound to be upsets, so Africa and many neutrals should not be shaken to the marrow when the unthinkable happens. Candidates for the UNWTO are a mixed bag and below a list of those gunning for the same post and their brief profile. Dr Walter Mzembi (53)
— Zimbabwe Currently the longest serving tourism Minister in Africa, Dr Mzembi was elected into the Parliament of Zimbabwe in 2004 as the legislator for Masvingo South Constituency.
A hard worker who once described by the Republic of Zimbabwe President Mugabe as “one of my best ministers”, Dr Mzembi has been the Minister of Tourism and Hospitality industry since February 2009.
He has great expertise and experience in the UNWTO where he served in its executive council as the chairman of the UNWTO Commission for Africa from 2009 up to date.
Dr Mzembi was the co-president of the 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly and three-time president of Africa Travel Association ( ATA).