Harare — There was drama at the launch of the tourism month yesterday when Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Walter Mzembi ordered an MDC-T councillor from the high table.

Dzivaresekwa Ward 40's Clr Herman Karimakwenda had come to stand in for Mayor Muchadeyi Masunda. A visibly angry Minister Mzembi said the mayor should have sent someone senior since this was a United Nations event. "This is a high esteem event and the mayor should have sent someone senior. We cannot belittle such a world class event by sending a mere councillor from Dzivarasekwa.

"I have told him to go and tell the mayor that it was unacceptable," the minister told the gathering. Minister Mzembi proceeded to launch the month-long commemorations with emphasis on biodiversity and economic recovery. The UN World Tourism Organisation has designated September 27 as World Tourism Day. Zimbabwe set aside the whole month to celebrate the tourism sector's recovery.

"This should indeed be a busy month for the tourism sector, a month in which due recognition will be given to the strategic position of the sector to spearhead economic recovery," he said. Minister Mzembi said Government would put in place necessary stimulus packages to boost the sector.

In line with the 2010 World Tourism Day theme of "Tourism and Biodiversity", Minister Mzembi said priority would be given to promotion of green tourism Observers say this can contribute to countering climate change and promoting biodiversity and sustainable tourism development.

"My ministry is especially concerned with the rampant destruction of forestry and habitats, pollution of the environment and other forms of environmental degradation.

"This is especially deplorable in a country and a region which has been endowed with vast natural resources that are the envy of many in the world," Minister Mzembi said.

The incoming president of the Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe, Ms Judy Jones, said the industry viewed this year's theme as a unique opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of bio-diversity to tourism and preservation of life.

The event started with a clean-up campaign at main city terminuses by industry stakeholders including the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, Environment Africa, Air Zimbabwe and Pathfinder among others.