20 Session of the UNWTO General Assembly Secretary General ...

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20 th Session of the UNWTO General Assembly
Secretary General Remarks at the Opening Ceremony
(25 August 2013)
Excellency President Mugabe, President of the Republic of
Zimbabwe
First Lady Mai Grace Mugabe
Excellency President Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia
First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba
Honourable Vice President J.T.R. Mujuru
Honourable Vice President Dr Guy Scott
Honourable Walter Mbemzi, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality
Industry of Zimbabwe
Honourable Sylvia Masebo, Minister of Tourism and Arts of
Zambia
Honourable Ministers and heads of delegation
Friends of the press
Ladies and Gentlemen
Dear friends
Manheru (good evening)
Welcome to the 20t h session of the UNWTO General Assembly at
the mighty Victoria Falls.
The General Assembly is UNWTO’s most important gathering.

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Every two years this is our opportunity to convene our Members,
under one roof, to debate the state of the sector, devise ways to
improve the competitiveness and sustainability of tourism and
ensure this sector is a force for good for both people and planet,
while building a stronger UNWTO for the benefit of all.
Before we take on this essential task in the days to come, I would
like to thank our hosts, the government of Zambia and the
government of Zimbabwe, and their wholehearted and welcoming
people, for the warmness with which we have been received here
in the mighty Victoria Falls.
It is no doubt an immense privilege to gather in one of the most
beautiful sceneries that one can imagine. Being here awakens our
imagination far back to 19 th century when David Livingstone, the
Scottish explorer believed to have been the first European to view
the Victoria Falls, described them as "Scenes so lovely must have
been gazed upon by angels in their flight". He was so right!
Here in the ‘Mosi-Oa-Tunya’, or ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, the
name given to the Falls by the Kololo Tribe, men and nature live
together; as privileged visitors of this monumental destination for a
few days I invite you to merge with its magical symbiosis and feel
the true spirit of Africa, its nature and its people.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We gather at this 20th session of the UNWTO General Assembly
in the heart of Africa with the will to continue along the

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encouraging path to drive tourism towards its fullest potential in
fostering sustainable economic growth and development.
In 2012, we celebrated a momentous occasion as more than one
billion tourists travelled the world in a single year.
On the political level, 2012 reflected our collective efforts to
improve tourism’s recognition in the global agenda. World leaders
at the G20 Summit in Mexico and at the Rio+20 UN Decadal
Sustainable Development Conference, singled out, for the first
time, tourism as a driver of economic growth, development and job
creation.
The mighty Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World heritage site, are an
inspiring backdrop to celebrate these milestones, reaffirm our
commitment to place tourism high in the political and economic
agendas and ensure that we cooperate ever more to promote
policies that ensure the sustainable and inclusive growth of
tourism.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The last two years were also marked by a slower than expected
global economic recovery, a lingering recession in the Eurozone
and remarkable geopolitical changes in many parts of the world.
In spite of these many challenges, international tourism continued
to grow, reaching all-time records.

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International tourist arrivals grew by 4% in 2012 and by 5% in the
first half of 2013, exceeding thus UNWTO’s initial forecast for the
current year of a 3% to 4% growth.
This 20th General Assembly takes place at a moment of continued
growth in the tourism sector and of increasing political recognition
of the role of tourism in contributing to a more sustainable growth.
UNWTO forecasts 1.8 billion international tourists by 2030. This
forecast not only proves tourism’s resilience, if we consider the
challenges many nations are facing. It also calls upon increased
awareness of the global responsibility we share as a critical global
activity and of the urge to cooperate further in ensuring the
continued and sustainable growth of our sector.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen,
This is the first time that the UNWTO General Assembly gathers in
Southern Africa, and the second time it is conveyed in Africa, after
Senegal hosted the 16th session of the UNWTO General
Assembly, in 2005.
Tourism is a central sector for the future of all countries, but
particularly of developing nations in Africa, where it accounts for an
increasing number of jobs, community developments, investment
and export earnings.

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International tourist arrivals in Africa grew from 15 million in 1990
to 52 million in 2012 while exports from international tourism
reached US$ 34 in 2012 up from a mere US$ 6 billion in 1990.
By 2030, international tourist arrivals to Africa will reach 134
million, almost three times its current number.
The future of tourism in Africa is bright. The sector is on the move
and is today recognized as one of the pillars to support Africa’s
growth and development.
This 20 th Session of the General Assembly is thus a unique
occasion to celebrate tourism in Africa and devise ways to
advance the contribution of our sector in building better livelihoods
in the region while protecting its immense and unvalued cultural
and natural heritage.
Excellences, Ladies and Gentlemen, dear delegates,
I hope that during the coming days you are able to fully enjoy this
magnificent African experience.
I also hope that you make the most of your participation in the
works of the Assembly. Your active participation at this General
Assembly and commitment going beyond is critical to our shared
goals.
UNWTO is all its members and we will continue joining our efforts
to devise a more effective and relevant Organization.

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On behalf of all delegates, I would like to once again express our
heartfelt appreciation to our hosts for the warm welcome and
immense efforts put in place to host us all in the mighty Victoria
Falls.
My last words could not be other than to recognize the men and
women that work in the tourism sector in this amazing location.
Coming to the Assembly in the flight from South Africa, a story in
the inflight magazine about the people that “live” the Falls caught
my attention and reminded me once again why we are here.
Seven people working in tourism here in the Falls shared what the
water meant to them - “it has improved my lifestyle, my health, my
community and education” a young gentlemen said. This is our
job; working to change lives through tourism.
It is now my pleasure to share with you the special message of the
UN Secretary General Ban Ki moon to the 20 th session of the
UNWTO General Assembly.
Thank you. Tatenda