Hon. Dr. Walter Mzembi, Ph.D.
The Hon. Dr. Walter Mzembi,
Ph.D., current Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry for the
Republic of Zimbabwe since 2009 has been endorsed by the African Union
to become the next Secretary General of the United Nations World Tourism
Organization. Dr. Mzembi will be coming to the United States to speak
at the 2016 African Diaspora World Tourism Awards in Atlanta, Ga. on
August 27th. This is an historical visit for the United States and very
significant for the ADWT-Awards event.
As Africa's official candidate, Dr. Mzembi believes that his
becoming the UNWTO Secretary General will be a win for his country
Zimbabwe, as well as for Africa. Viewed by many in the
world tourism industry as a unifier, eloquent, astute and visionary
leader, it is no wonder that the African Union is rallying behind him. Since
the inception of UNWTO in 1975, no African has ever held the position
of Secretary General and if Dr. Mzembi wins, he will be the first. Now
many are believing that it is now time for Africa!
"We are beyond excited to have Dr. Mzembi set to attend and
address this year's event," says Kitty J. Pope, founder/director and
executive director of the ADWT-Awards event that also includes a
cultural heritage travel expo. "The Minister's visit is most important
because this year's award event for the first time will include the
"Parade of Flags," where embassy representatives from various countries
of the African Diaspora will carry their perspective flags as a tribute
to the United Nations declaration of the Decade for People of African
Descent."
Pope says that Dr. Mzembi's visit also shows support for two other new
components of the awards event which are the "Royal African Posession"
where African Kings and Queens participate, and the Pan African Travel
Forum to be presented by Rev. Dr. Eugene Franklin, the founder/chair of
the Pan African Cultural Heritage Tourism Initiative. The Pan African
Travel Forum will also be about connecting the Africa Diaspora to
Africa. "Dr. Mzembi's attendance also shows support for Africa and
African Diaspora cultural heritage tourism," says Pope. "Having Dr.
Mzembi attend solidifies all of these components and concepts." Dr.
Mzembi was inducted as honoree into the Hall of Fame for the inaugural
African Diaspora World Tourism Awards in Atlanta in 2013.
To date, Dr. Mzembi is the longest serving tourism minister
in UNWTO, currently serving as chair for the United Nation Commission on
Africa. He is credited with institutionalizing tourism in the Africa
Union which had long overlooked tourism as a critical factor in economic
and social cohesion and development. He has also been a
member of Parliament for the Masvingo South Constituency since 2004 and
UNWTO's Commission for Africa Chairperson from 2013 to date. His
experience in the world of tourism includes such international positions
as Chairman of the Southern Africa Development Community Committee of
Tourism Ministers in 2015, UNWTO Executive Council Member from 2009 to
2013, and the UNWTO Co-President in Session 20 of the General Assembly
from 2013-2015. Dr. Mzembi has also served as president of the New
York-based Africa Travel Association three times.
Dr Mzembi's journey to the candidature started with his
nomination by the Government of Zimbabwe and was subsequently followed
by an endorsement by the Southern Africa Development Community region
and now the African Union. The Secretary General's post falls vacant in
May 2017 when incumbent Dr Taleb Rifai's term expires. Nominations for
the post will be held in Egypt in October, upon which Dr Mzembi will
officially know his opponents.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * ** * *
Special Discount Rate for 2016 African Diaspora World Tourism Awards and Travel Expo in Atlanta on August 26-28
Register to Attend all week-end events -$150
Parade of Flags/Opening Reception - $50
Hall of Fame Luncheon -$50
Awards Gala /African Royal Procession -$75
* * * Pan African/ African Tourism Forum and Travel Expo are
Free and Open to Public
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