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Zambia

UN Tourism New Academies Planned for Zambia and Zimbabwe

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UN Tourism New Academies Planned for Zambia and Zimbabwe - TRAVELINDEXUN Tourism has announced a major step forward in its work to grow education and skills development in Africa with the establishment of the first collaborative Academies in the region.

With African tourism experiencing significant growth, there is now an urgent need to train a wide range of skilled professionals, all equipped with the skills modern tourism businesses need. Reflecting this demand, UN Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Tourism of Zambia to establish the ZITHS Mukuni International Academy for Tourism and Hospitality in collaboration with UN Tourism. The Academy will offer a range of courses, all focused on equipping students both new to the sector and establish tourism workers the skills they need to find work or advance in their careers.

Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate

Laying the foundation stone in Livingstone, Secretary-General Pololikashvili said: “Africa’s tourism sector is growing and diversifying at a tremendous rate. These new Academies in Collaboration with UN Tourism will help train the tourism workers of tomorrow in a range of specialisms, giving African tourism the talent it needs to thrive.”

Joining the Secretary-General in signing the agreement, the Minister of Tourism of Zambia, Rodney M. Sikumba, said: “ through the adoption of the UN Tourism Education Guidelines, Zambia has been able to reposition the role of education in tourism development. The establishment of the Academy is a game changer of how we will bridge the evident skills gap for the existing and future workforce of our tourism sector.”

Culinary Arts Academy planned for Zimbabwe  

UN Tourism has also agreed to establish the Africa International Tourism Academy for Culinary Arts in collaboration with UN Tourism. The specialist centre will be hosted in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and focus on training skilled professionals in culinary arts both within the country and right across Africa. The announcement coincides with the celebration of the first UN Tourism Gastronomy Tourism Forum for Africa, an event showcasing the region’s diverse gastronomy and set to bring together leading players from the public and private sectors.

Zimbabwe’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Barbara Rwodzi said: “We are excited to be working closely with UN Tourism to grow gastronomy tourism in our country and across the wider region. The new Academy in Collaboration with UN Tourism signals our shared commitment to empowering tourism workers within the field of culinary arts, putting Zimbabwe firmly on the global gastronomy map.”

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

UN Tourism Sets Course for African Members

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UN Tourism continues to deliver on its Agenda for Africa, bringing the region’s Members together around a focus on investments, multilateral cooperation and education.

The 67th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for Africa (22-24 July) welcomed public and private sector leaders from across the region. The Member States met as Africa’s tourism sector experiences strong recovery. During the first quarter of 2024, arrivals were up 5% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This positions the continent as the second-best performer globally, surpassing all regions except the Middle East.

Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation.

Secretary General, Zurab Pololikashvili, stated, “Zambia, as the whole African region, is an excellent example of the positive impact of tourism, which leads to new investments and job creation. Furthermore, our Members come together in Livingstone as Zambia is celebrates 60 years of peace and independence, an inspiration as we get set to mark World Tourism Day around the theme of ‘tourism and peace’ in September.”

Investing in African tourism 

In the last 10 years alone, Africa has attracted over 160 greenfield projects in tourism, representing a total capital investment of USD 10.7 billion, and the potential to create over 24,000 jobs. Recognizing this positive trend, the Commission Meeting Session featured a special Ministerial-level discussion focused on global tourism investment trends, with a special emphasis on the promising tourism outlook in Zambia. The session offered insights into sustainable development opportunities and strategies to attract and secure tourism investments. Key talking points included sustainable tourism development strategies, enhancing Africa’s global tourism competitiveness and innovation in tourism marketing and branding.

The meeting also saw the launch of a new set of the Investment Guidelines for Zambia. The publication focuses on tourism and inclusive growth in Zambia, which aligns with the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa, identifying opportunities for global investors.

New tourism Academies planned for Africa  

At the meeting, Memorandums of Understanding were signed for the creation of the Tourism Centre of Excellence in Livingstone, Zambia and the Academy for Culinary Arts in Zimbabwe.  

The Academies will add to the growing network of education centres supported by UN Tourism, helping give workers the skills they need to thrive in the sector and so drive economic growth and social opportunity. Secretary-General Pololikashviki also announced 100 scholarships for the UN Tourism Online Academy to each of the countries.

Technical support for African Members  

Out of 50 technical cooperation projects worldwide, UN Tourism is currently working on 13 in 10 African countries covering areas such as tourism statistics, digital transformation or skills development. Several technical cooperation projects are currently  being developed in the region, aligning with the five pillars of the Agenda for Africa: branding, connectivity, innovation, education, and investments. Secretary-General Pololikashvili also confirmed that UN Tourism will work with its Members across the region to develop and implement a new communication strategy designed to showcase the uniqueness of African destinations.

Additionally, Members embraced the Secretariat’s emphasis on safety and security recommendations in the UN Tourism Agenda for Africa which includes a tourism police initiative in collaboration with The West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).

With the aim of widening the portfolio and expanding on-the-ground presence of the organization, the establishment of a new Regional Office in Marrakesh is currently under discussion.

Expanding global cooperation 

Looking ahead, UN Tourism will hold a first joint meeting of its Regional Departments for Africa and the Americas (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 3-5 October 2024). Here, Members of both Commissions will meet to discuss South-South cooperation through investments, education, cultural roots, creative industries, and innovation.

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Zambian Dining Experience at Avani Victoria Falls

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A Zambian Dining Experience at Avani Victoria Falls - TOURISMAFRICA.org - TRAVELINDEXLivingstone, Zambia, July 6, 2022 / TRAVELINDEX / Guests at Avani Victoria Falls Resort can immerse themselves in a truly Zambian dining tradition during a boma dinner at the resort’s African restaurant, Mukuni Boma. Sit under the stars, lounge fireside with a Zambian feast, enjoy live bands, traditional dancing and ground yourself to the beautiful Zambian rituals on the banks of the majestic Zambezi River.

Dining under glow

The setting of the boma dinner depicts a Zambian village where guests sit under the stars and lounge fireside for an authentic boma meal, which is a traditional, open-air African dinner. When walking into the Mukuni Boma, guests are greeted by the tastes, sights, sounds and smells of Africa before being seated and invited to taste the local brew. A four-course menu consisting of Pan African food and game meat on barbeque is then served. An indigenous Zambian dish sure to delight guests is Chikanda, a snack prepared with a tuber of chikanda orchids. The small-sized tubers are dried and pounded, and then combined with a thick mixture of peanuts and dry chili peppers. Chikanda is often referred to as African polony, because of its meat-like consistency. Ifisashi is another popular Zambian meal made with peanuts, tomatoes, onions, and greens such as pumpkin leaves, sweet potato leaves, spinach and collard greens. The ingredients are cooked until the peanut sauce achieves a desired, thick consistency.

The real fun begins after dinner as guests are treated to an interactive traditional African drum show and performances. Traditional singers, djembe drum performers and expert Amakhezi traditional dancers spark the night with vibrant and energetic songs and dance. The engaging and welcoming atmosphere means guests can fully take part in the evening’s festivities by joining the dance and beating the drums to create an unforgettable experience.

Beauty close to the edge

Avani Victoria Falls Resort is situated in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and offers unmatched encounters with the majestic and spectacular Victoria Falls and Zambia’s amazing wildlife. With complimentary and unlimited access to Victoria Falls, guests at the resort can witness one of nature’s greatest treasures throughout their stay. Columns of spray can be seen from miles away and a selection of clearly marked pathways take visitors to different sections of the falls, including vantage points where views of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot where the river heads down the Batoka Gorge are merely several metres away.

Adventures of a lifetime

The resort’s strategic location and eclectic environment mean the possibilities of recreational activities are endless. Guests can lift their spirit with a scenic adventure on one of the resort’s helicopters tours or microlight flights and marvel at the incredible power of the falls from a different perspective. The exquisite tranquility of the river and the exhilarating thrill of authentic Africa can be experienced by canoeing through the Zambezi River. Rare sights of birds and river wildlife can be spotted as visitors raft down the Zambezi and explore quiet channels. A visit to the historic Livingstone Island provides a one-of-a-kind swim at what feels like the edge of the world in the Devil’s Pool. Panoramic horseback trails take novice and experienced riders along the striking African Bushveld with the exciting possibility of spotting wildlife.

About Avani Hotels & Resorts
Launched in 2011, Avani Hotels is part of the global hospitality group Minor Hotels (BKK: MINT) and was designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort. Avani is an upbeat and contemporary hotel concept that delivers the perfect balance, with a focus on good sleep, designed social spaces, locally inspired sustenance and friendly service.

Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

A Holistic Wellness Retreat on the Banks of the Zambezi River

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A Holistic Wellness Retreat on the Banks of the Zambezi River

Victoria Falls, Zambia, July 8, 2021 / TRAVELINDEX / Marrying world-class expertise with indigenous wellness culture and breathtaking scenery, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara in Zambia will be the location for a holistic wellness retreat from 19-22 August 2021. Set along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, in full view of the spray of the Victoria Falls, guests can expect a retreat that will nourish both mind and body in a naturally serene outdoor environment, with daily Vinyasa yoga and meditation sessions conducted on the Royal deck overlooking the Zambezi.

• See the World’s Best Luxury Hotels here.

The retreat will be conducted by Stuart Kirton of Cape Town’s Yo Yoga Studio. Stuart has been instructing classes since 2003 in a multitude of styles such as Ashtanga, Hot 26, Restorative and Vinyasa yoga. Originally trained and certified in London through the Shadow Yoga method, he has a vast amount of knowledge and experience, spanning over 17 years.

Set on the banks of the Zambezi River, Anantara Spa will provide a spectacular outdoor setting for natural revitalisation in riverside gazebos, immersed in the idyllic beauty of the Zambezi River and surrounding landscapes, with rushing water, chirping birdsong and the calls of wildlife providing an uplifting soundtrack. Daily spa treatments will leave guests feeling relaxed. The spa’s menu reads like an Out-of-Africa odyssey, drawing on revered local wellness traditions and age-old beauty secrets. Signature experiences include the Zambezi Massage and the Anantara Signature Massage. The Zambezi Massage uses a traditional technique also known as Ukuchina. In this massage, warm towels are used in kneading and compression movements to relieve muscle pain and tension.

The combination of authentic African techniques and Western massage creates the ultimate relaxation experience and promotes wellbeing throughout the body. Traditionally performed to rejuvenate and cure malaria, fatigue, muscle pain, inflammation and other body ailments, Ukuchina massage is also a popular postnatal treatment for women and has been passed down through generations. The Anantara Signature Massage combines revered Eastern and Western techniques in purpose-designed movements. A signature oil blend stimulates circulation and deeply relaxes muscles. Reflexology clears any energy blocks and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing.

• See the World’s Best Luxury Hotels here.

Victoria Falls is a haven for bucket list adventures and when guests aren’t relaxing in the hotel or its vast grounds they can experience the myriad of adventure activities that the destination has to offer, such as a swim in the Devil’s Pool, a uniquely located plunge pool right on the edge of the Falls, where the thundering cascade plummets 350-feet, providing a pulse-racing dip for those brave enough to venture into the Zambezi River. A once in a lifetime helicopter ride can be enjoyed as guests watch from above as the mighty Zambezi River carves its way through the steep cliffs of the Batoka Gorge and transforms from a gentle and serene river into the rampant Victoria Falls that descend 120 metres to the floor of the valley. Wildlife river safaris on the Zambezi reveal excellent game and bird viewing and provide a mesmerising way to end the day.

About Anantara
Anantara is a luxury hospitality brand for modern travellers, connecting them to genuine places, people and stories through personal experiences, and providing heartfelt hospitality in the world’s most exciting destinations. The collection of distinct, thoughtfully designed luxury hotels and resorts provides a window through which to journey into invigorating new territory, curating personal travel experiences.

From cosmopolitan cities to desert sands to lush islands, Anantara connects travellers to the indigenous, grounds them in authentic luxury, and hosts them with passionate expertise. The portfolio currently boasts over 40 stunning properties located in Thailand, the Maldives, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Mozambique, Zambia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Tunisia, Portugal, Spain and Mauritius, with a pipeline of future properties across Asia, the Indian Ocean, Middle East and Africa.

First published at TravelCommunication.net

First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News