Mzembi tries to save face after UNWTO loss

Tourism Minister Walter Mzembi who yesterday lost the United Nations World Tourism Organisation post of secretary-general says the Zimbabwe brand was the major victor.

In what appeared to be a face-saving statement after he had literally abandoned his government job to concentrate on his campaign for the UN post, Mzembi said:  “It was a narrow loss. But it is the brand Zimbabwe and brand Africa that proved that it is seeking a bigger stake in the world.”

According to the Herald Mzembi said his election loss was not the end of everything.

“The bigger picture is our brand that we have upped through the campaign.

“Zimbabwe and Africa have never been this high in the matrix of world tourism and you can see the interest it has attracted. There has never been such interest on UNWTO elections.

“We should show goodwill and accept the result. We fell short by two votes. That was a good fight.”

Mzembi won the first round by 11 votes against his opponent Zurab Pololikashvili’s eight necessitating a second round as a candidate had to win no less than 17 votes from the 33 member states.

The tables were turned in the second round with Mzembi getting 15 votes against Pololikashvili’s 18.

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