Zimbabwe has so far, raised over US$200 million to give the Victoria Falls a facelift ahead of the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly and has availed several credit facilities for needy companies.

The acting director of Domestic Tourism in the Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Mr Douglas Runyowa, told stakeholders in the resort town yesterday that the Government was taking the project seriously.

He said government was leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the mega international event that brings together delegates from more 176 countries was successfully held.

So far, the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has been thrown a US$150 million lifeline to expand and refurbish the Victoria Falls International Airport with effect from next month.

The Victoria Falls Hospital has also been allocated US$6,9 million, roads rehabilitation and maintenance, US$3,7 million and upgrading of water supply system US$15 million.

Work in all these projects is expected to commence in March.

Mr Runyowa said 2013 UNWTO resource mobilisation committee had also approached Government to ensure that the tourism industry also bites into various credit facilities.

“We have made presentations to make sure the companies in Victoria Falls get access to the US$40 million Distressed and Marginalised Companies Fund set aside for companies in Matabeleland.

“So far, 44 tourism and hospitality companies have applied for funding. We have also opened a facility for the companies to access the US$70 million Zimbabwe Economic and Trade Revival Facility from the Africa Export and Import Bank.

“We have also opened a credit facility for the US$30 million from the South African International Development Bank that will come through the International Bank of Zimbabwe because in the past the companies in Victoria Falls have been failing to access the facility direct from South Africa.   This shows our seriousness and commitment to the hosting the event,” he said.

Secretary for Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr Sylvester Maunganidze, said he was happy with the progress made ahead of tomorrow’s visit by the UNWTO inspectors. He said what was left was putting final touches on the destination since the hotels were already in good shape.

“I am more than happy with the general outlook and I think by the time we get to 2013, everything will be in order. What are left are very small things.

“The bigger things are in place. It is these small things that are giving us problems and we can easily sort them out.

“UNWTO is a diplomatic engagement which has its own protocols, etiquette and requirements,” said Dr Maunganidze