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and has reportedly been impressed with the level of preparedness on the ground.

The team, which has been in the country for the past two days, could, however, not give interviews to journalists nor release their findings.

However, some officials said the assessment team endorsed Victoria Falls and Livingstone to co-host the general congress scheduled for 24 August next year.

The officials said the inspectorate team, which comprised the head of delegation, Mrs Bianca Perail who is also UNWTO’s  chief head languages, meetings and documentaries, Mr Munir Rayes, head of languages and Mr Ousmane Ndiaye, UNWTO regional director for Africa from Senegal, leaves for Madrid, Spain satisfied with the level of preparedness.

This is contrary to some media reports recently which said the country was set to lose the co-hosting rights allegedly because of lack of preparedness.

The officials said the team even had the time to tour one of the seven natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls rainforest, the craft market and also saw the rainforest from the air aboard a helicopter. The helicopter ride is popularly known as “Flight of Angels”.

“It is rather unfortunate that the team could not address the media but they were overly impressed with what they saw on the ground. However, there were concerns that the disturbances in the Save Valley Conservancy could have a negative impact on the general assembly,” said the official.

In Victoria Falls, the inspectorate, which was accompanied by senior officials from the co-hosting countries, was met by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Ms Margret Sangarwe after which they toured the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, A ‘Zambezi River Lodge, Elephant Hills Resort, Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls Hotel, Mama Africa Restaurant and the George’s Restaurant.
They then had a joint wrap-up and feedback meeting with officials from the co-hosting countries.

The team departs for Zambia enroute to Madrid, Spain today.
The first inspection was done in the last week of February during which the team led UNWTO executive director Mr Zottan Smoggy expressed satisfaction with the progress.

UNWTO secretary general Mr Talib Rifai also personally inspected the main venue on the Zimbabwean side, the Elephant Hills Resort, when he came to sign a trilateral agreement with President Mugabe and his Zambian counterpart Michael Sata in March.

Last week, Zimbabwe officially launched the countdown to the convention.