AFRICA – The Zimbabwe Government is to construct a multi-million dollar convention centre at Victoria Falls.

The proposed centre is would be the venue for the United National World Tourism Organisation General Assembly jointly hosted by Zimbabwe and Zambia in 2013.

A 1,000 hectare piece of land has been proposed six kilometres south of the iconic tourist attraction and natural wonder, Victoria Falls.

The Zimbabwe Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi said his government was in a process of holding Environmental Impact Assessment stakeholder consultations in accordance with the provisions the Environmental Management Act.

The Minister said the exact details of the centre would be revealed after the stakeholder consultation were held, but initial plans show the project will have a seating capacity of 3-5,000 delegates with several committee rooms, a golf course, a five-star and a three-star hotel.

“We prefer to work quietly on the construction of the convention centre because we do not want to scare away investors,” he said.

In an interview with local Zimbabwean news agency, Chronicle, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Retired Colonel Christian Katsande, said the current capacity of hosting events of a biggermagnitude was limiting the town.

“It was high time for the convention centre and to make sure that we are really positioning Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe to host such big events,” he said.

Photo credit to i_pinz

Any exhibition-related news? Email sarah@mashmedia.net