UNWTO Secretary-General Dr Taleb Rifai has congratulated the newly appointed Minister of Tourism and Arts Hon. Charles Romel Banda MP.

In his personal congratulatory letter dated 05th October, 2016 and made available to Zambia’s Permanent Representative to the UNWTO H.E Amb. Humphrey Chilu Chibanda. Dr Rifai conveyed his sincere congratulations and wished the Hon. Minister every success and personal satisfaction in his new and important portfolio.

The UNWTO Chief retaliated the fact that Zambia is a highly active member of the Organisation, which successfully co-hosted the twentieth General Assembly in Victoria Falls in August 2013.

The Secretary General has stated that he is confident that the tourism industry of Zambia will further develop and grow for the benefit of the local population under the minister’s leadership. Dr Rifai noted that Zambia boasts of a vast and diverse landscape along with a rich culture and hospitality of its people, and he believes that the excellent relationship between Zambia and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will continue to strengthen.

Furthermore, Dr Rifai has observed that given that Zambia is a member of Executive Council, he looks forward to personally meeting with the Hon. Minister at the forthcoming coming 104th Executive Council Session to take place in Luxor, Egypt from the 30 October-1 November 2016.

Dr Rifai has assured the new Minister of his and the secretariat’s assistance towards Zambia and was looking forward to welcoming the Minister at the UNWTO Headquarters at for a familiarization visit at his earliest and convenient time.