UNITED Nations World Tourism Organisation inspectors arrived here yesterday to inspect Zimbabwe and Zambia’s progress in their preparations to co-host the UNWTO 2013 General Assembly. The three inspectors, UNWTO executive director and head of delegation, Mr Zottan Smoggy, deputy director for Africa Mr Helder Thomas and director of programmes, Mrs Pearl Blanca, arrived at the Victoria Falls International Airport aboard British Airways and immediately crossed into Livingstone, Zambia.

Initially they had been scheduled to land in Zambia but ended up landing in Zimbabwe due to technical problems. Fortunately, the Zimbabwean side was more than ready and was not caught off guard.

They were welcomed by Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry Dr Sylvester Maunganidze and several stakeholders.

In an interview soon after arrival, Mr Smoggy, said Zimbabwe and Zambia had put up an impressive bid to co-host and that his team had come to see progress made so far.

“This is the first time I have been to Zimbabwe and I come to inspect the facilities after Zimbabwe and Zambia put up a very convincing bid in Spain.

“We want to see the real facilities and help them host a memorable general assembly in Africa.

“I must say this is the greatest opportunity for you to show the world that you can do it.

“This is your good and greatest chance to show the world who you are.

“I must also say that I am impressed by the joint logo the two countries have created for the UNTWO, which shows rare unity between these countries,’’ said Mr Smoggy.

Dr Maunganidze said Zimbabwe had not anticipated the arrival yesterday, since the team was scheduled to arrive and inspect Zambia first before, crossing over to Zimbabwe tomorrow.

“It was quite a big surprise for us when we were told that something had happened in the air and the guys were now arriving via us first. We had only 30 minutes to prepare to receive them and I am sure you saw it for yourself that Zimbabwe is more than ready.

“This is a momentous occasion for us and we want to prove to them that by granting us the bid to co-host, they did not make a mistake. We can easily host the world,’’ he said.

The inspectors are expected to drive back to the Zimbabwean side tomorrow for the full inspection of the facilities, here. The tourism and hospitality industry is in Victoria Falls for the whole week to oversee the inspection and fix identified problems in situ.