HARARE,  (NNN-NEW ZIANA) — The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT) has earmarked 3.0 million usd to train all stakeholders on hospitality issues as the fifa World Cup to be held in neighbouring South Africa draws nearer.

ZCT president Emmanuel Fundira told New Ziana Wednesday that the training workshops would equip stakeholders in the sector on how to handle the influx of tourists expected in this country during the soccer showcase, to be held from June 11 to july 11.

Thetraining would start in February, he said, adding: “Anyone who gets the opportunity to interact with the tourists needs to be trained so that we improve our service culture so that we attract more visitors.”

He said beneficiaries of the training would include media, police officers, and immigration officials, transport and tour operators. Telecommunication service operators would be included in the campaign as their service was crucial for tourism.

“We want a reliable communication network that is affordable for everyone,” he said. “We want efficiency in terms of network infrastructure.”

Fundira bemoaned the unreliability of Internet and mobile networks at most tourism resorts in the country such as the Victoria Falls. “Victoria Falls as one of our tourist pullers should not have such problems so operators should do something,” he said.

“We are lobbying to concientise those in the service industry to provide a service that is in line with international standards,” Fundira said.

He said the ZCT was carrying out an audit of the number and quality of rooms available to cater for the influx of tourists. “These should be up to international standards so we do not lose visitors,? he said. — NNN-NEW ZIANA